EARLY A/N: PLEASE! READ THE BOTTOM OF EVERY CHAP ON EVERY STORY I MAKE. I ANSWER QUESTIONS AND MORE DOWN THERE. SO PLEASE DON'T ASSUME I'M IGNORING YOU. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE YOU READ MY AUTHOR'S NOTES SO I DON'T NEED TO REPEAT MYSELF EVERY CHAP IN EVERY STORY.
My Hero Academia: A Hero's Torch
Chapter 12: The Rebirth Of The Shogun
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
Quirks! Abilities that have become part of the norm in everyday life on Earth. It is unknown how it came to be, though some speculate the reason due to the world's greatest hero, All Might. Supposedly since he came, these 'Quirks' have manifested within the majority of every human (and some animals) in the whole world.
Though, as the increase of humans with Quirks keep going, so do the activities of people using their powers to their own needs. And always becomes villains. No matter where you look, heroes and villains fight for power.
But with in this new day of age, one Quirkless boy will become a legend. One where he will fight for humanity and the lives of the people. And the title they will shout for decades will be known, as Kamen Rider!
At the Shirogane household, Tatsuya was in the training room, swinging and slashing his sword at the training bots he brought up. Each one easily fell to his might while the veteran only seemed to be in pain. The more he cut down, the more he could only see the possible killer for Tora. Anger and sadness was all that was filling his mind right now. He tried therapy and even talking this with All-Might, but that emptiness wouldn't leave his heart.
He cried out in rage, cutting down the last training bot as it split down with ease as he panted heavily before dropping to his knees. He felt defeated as he sat there, "Tora…. I-I'm sorry I failed you…" He muttered to himself.
Everything has been occuring so much. With his adoptive son still recovering from his injuries from the torture of Gemn and Graphite… his own son could barely sleep at times and he needed help to move around. Everything was too much for Tatsuya.
"Tatsuya…" From afar was his wife, standing there with a worried look on her face as she walked in and closer to her husband. "Tatsuya… you should get some sleep."
"No… I… I should continue…"
"Continue what? To push yourself farther than you already have?" She frowned. "You're practically a zombie."
"But I… just can't quit… I have to find that dark rider and end him for what he did. He killed Tora and he tried to kill our son."
"But he could kill you too! And I don't want Naomi and Nathan to go on a repeated genocide hunt, like you are!" She shouted, "You're letting Tora's death control you!"
"I'm only avenging him!" He snapped at her.
"Tatsuya…"
"Just leave me be…." He said, turning away with a scowl as he picked up his sword again before he brought in more bots to beat down.
His wife's eyes softened with concern. She was concerned for her husband and it was worrying her every day. She just hopes he can move on...
(Insert Op - EXCITE - Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Op)
The song quickly begins like that of a chiptune like sound as it shows a loading screen before quickly saying 'Complete'
(I gotta believe...)
After leaving the loading screen, the screen quickly pans towards the UA High as it passes the several students before reaching Ex-Aid as he turns and punches it. Upon shattering showed the title card along with the Gashats of Ex-Aid before Might Action X floats to the center and lights up.
[I don't wanna know beta na shinjitsu nara]
The screen pans above the high sky before quickly lowering down and zooming in to show off Cody, as he sees the ruins of the old town he used to live in before a quick flash showed the Bugsters destroying it before returning to the present.
[I don't wanna know shiranai kata ga ii noni ]
The screen shift towards the Class 1 of UA High, as it shows off the students. Each one chatting away as Cody is chatting away with Izuku, Ochako, Tenya, and Poppy on his mobile screeen chat back. With the occasional glare from Katsuki.
[Why, Why, Why, Why? Kitsukeba I Came Too Far]
It then shifts towards a flashback where Cody is being lectured by people with Quirks, his family of classmates, before shifting to where he was saved by All Might, then shifts again as All Might accepts him into the academy as the rest of the teachers are behind them. Even Aurora who stands there unsure that he is ready to be a hero looks at him with distrust.
[Tomaranai kanjiru sono yokan wa, The New Beginning]
Inside an ally, several villains start pouring out from the darkness, led by Genm as they begin to march their way towards UA. Faint images of injured students and people are shown briefly before an image of All Might is on the ground, dead with his students.
[Michi no ryoiki, ima wo kiri hiraku'nda, I gotta believe! (Turn it on...)]
As the mass of villains rush towards the entrance, Cody and Izuku hesitates while the other students march ahead before the shadow of All Might made them turn around. He pats their shoulders as Izuku jumps ahead, while Cody holds up Mighty Action X and presses it, a faint pink glow covering the screen.
[Sotto Excite Excite takanaru, Excite Excite kokoro ga]
A faint image of Ex-Aid LV 1 appears briefly before LV 2 jumps out from behind it. The Action Rider punching, kicking and beating any enemy in it's way as Izuku and the rest of their team helps them out, with their powers.
[Michibi ano basho e, Kakenuku deku dake]
A few more enemies appear before being stuck down by All Might and the other teachers. Several Bugsters being to gather around until more and more heroes appear, helping out what remains of the enemies.
[(Hey!) I'm on a mission right now, (Hey!) I'm on a mission right now]
Faint images of new Ex-Aid forms can be seen before it zooms out to reveal the enemy behind it all, chuckling madly as he turns to see a large vial of Bugster viruses floating in a tank. But it then shifts towards the Aid Den as several unknown Gashats glow, resonating to stop the diseases.
[Excite Excite kotae wa, Excite Excite kotae wa]
With more and more enemies falling towards the ground,everyone backs up, back to back to make sure no more injuries can be given. As that happens Cody takes out the Mighty Action X Gashat before placing it into the Kimiwaza Slot and presses it, as he rider kicks at the screen.
[(One) Kono te mo naka, (Two) Susumu beki life, (Three) Ikiteku dake]
Back at the school, everyone was cheering, laughing and relaxing as they completed the mission. All Might nodding to them all as Poppy pats Cody's shoulder. The young rider smiling as he lifts up the Gashat one last time before looking out at the sky where the title card shows off one last time.
Another day has begun for everyone, the weekend starts as several were already making some plans for today. Cody, Mina, and the few others were wanting to make a plan to try to hang out or at least do something nice for their recovering friend. Ever since the torture incident, they had to help him get better since he practically stood up against Gemn and not provide the data they wanted from him.
Though at the mall as they began to plan, Cody began to ponder about that encounter he had with that mysterious teen. Something about him felt very familiar and at the same time not that dangerous. He still felt some type of warning presence, but never any real threat…. Why would he think that? As well as what he said.
'Playing with you? Always made my heart flutter.'
"Who was he…?" Cody muttered to himself, not noticing Mina's worried look on her face.
"Are you alright, Cody?" She asked
"H-Hm?" He snapped out of his trance, "O-Oh! Yeah, I'm fine Mina. Just daydreaming."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's nothing to worry about, okay?" He assured.
"Okay…" She nods softly, before hugging his arm.
The group made their way to the Shirogane household as Cody grabbed the handle of the door and knocked. They waited for a moment until the large doors opened slightly, revealing Naomi who noticed Cody and the others.
"Hey there Naomi." Cody smiled, "We dropped by to see if we can help out"
"I thought you guys would be at that arcade?" She asked in surprise.
"Usually, but with what happened to Nathan, we thought we should try to help out." Ochako smiled.
"U-Uh sure," she allowed as they entered the household and began walking across the garden.
"Speaking of, how is he?" Mina asked.
"Well, he has been having some trouble sleeping… and when he tries to walk, he has a difficult time so… temporarily he has to use crutches until he can be able to." She explained softly. "Right now he is probably by the koi pond."
"Well, is there anything we can do to help?" Izuku asked.
"You can start by going home…" Tatsuya said, walking into view.
"Father," Naomi spoke. "They wanted to help Nathan with his recovery."
"We don't need their help. We can take care of our own."
"But…"
"But nothing, young lady!" He snapped, his anger rising. The teens flinched from hearing that, some a bit worried about what's been going on, as others could tell this was due to his grief again.
"Dad…" Tatsuya turned around to see Nathan in crutches, the teens seeing the bandages on his body as a cast was on his left arm.
"Son, you need rest. I rather not bring in REcovery Girl again for the 4th time this week." He frowned.
"Just let them in, dad." He responded. "You need to keep calm. You haven't got any sleep and I know it too since I didn't sleep last night. You are already a wreck and need to relax."
"And have my enemies show up and harm you?"
"They're not 'your' enemies, father. They are ours. You, me, Naomi, Cody, and even Kaizer. The Bugsters are our enemies." Nathan frowned. "Yeah they tried to get to me because of the data but I didn't give up, I didn't give them what they wanted, I stood up and chose to protect the important matters. You, dad, have been so focused on revenge. I am the same, dad and you know it too. Revenge may be something to show we are human but revenge isn't the answer to move on."
Tatsuya growled once more, before huffing as he stormed off, leaving the teens. Some sighed with relief, though Cody only looked on with a saddened look.
"I hope he's able to crawl out of that vengeance…" He muttered.
"It has been difficult and I know it takes time," Nathan sighed.
"Like how you were?"
"Were? More like still am," The sniper corrected. "While I do want to put a bullet between Graphite's damn face along with that Dark Rider…" They flinched from his growl upon what he wanted to do to the two Bugsters. "So one has to focus on what is more important for now than vengeance or they will make a mistake."
"Regardless, you need rest." Izuku said. "That's why we came over, to help out with your recovery."
"I… appreciate it…" The sniper sighed heavily.
"Allow me, Onii-sama." Naomi smiled, as she helped him back to his room.
The others followed the two as Naomi slides the door open, they were greeted with numerous items scattered; folders, his laptop, old bandages with bloodstains and his hero gear that was mounted on the wall. Nathan used one of the crutches to close the safe when he noticed Cody and the others seeing photos of the Dark Rider while Cody thought he saw a photo of the CEO which was odd but he shook that thought.
"You see rather… busy…?"
"Just work when I have spare time…" He responded softly as he gently sits on his futon. Setting the crutches aside, Naomi hands him a tray of food, making him grumble. "Look, I appreciate you guys coming over. Thing have been… difficult to say the least."
"You mean your dad still grieving and you recovering?"
"Well… yeah…" He admitted. "Overall… it has been tough on the Shirogane clan…"
The others understood a bit. Due to that news over a month ago, Tatsuya changed severely. From a calculative veteran, to a grieving, anger driven man. It was hard and saddening to see it from one who use to be a professional hero.
"Maybe we should get him and my dad together to talk all of this out?" Cody offered, "It's the only way for him to get some new closure."
They flinched when they heard the sound of being cut, no doubt it echoed from the training room they own. "I think my dad would rather slice something down than that, Cody," Nathan winced as they heard another echo of metal being sliced. "And that makes 455 bots sliced by him…"
"Well, how else is he going to move on if he can't accept what happened and the new user for Lazer?" Cody pointed out, "It's very obvious he's resenting my father due to him being the successor. So, it would make sense to get all of that out if they just talked."
"And the fact he nearly got your mom killed just to study a Bugster?" Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"Would you lay off of that?!" Cody snapped, "Yes, he realized the mistake, but he's trying to find a cure! So back off!"
"One mistake that my dad hated."
"And you never made that mistake before?" He frowned.
"Hey, at least I didn't waste time to end the fights like you do! Like at the time in Hawaii against Revol Bugster?"
"Okay! You two need to cool off!" Ochako frowned, touching their shoulders before the two teens were flung into the ceiling, unable to return down as she let them stay up there. She huffed before sighing, "Honestly, you boys sure like to fight one another…."
"Blame him!" Cody accused, pointing at Nathan who merely had his arms crossed.
"Not my fault."
"If you two don't stop your fighting, then I'll leave you up there" Ochako crossed her arms, as the two boys flinched.
"Hey, put Onii-sama down! He needs to recover!" Naomi said.
"Once they stop fighting, I will." The young girl said, waiting for the boys response. They both sighed before nodding as she released them slowly, gently bringing them back to the ground before Naomi quickly helped him back in bed.
"Regardless what we all think, having them able to talk this out and try to move on would be best. Plus, it'll help add more Riders against the Bugsters." Izuku noted, "Plus it's better than working alone."
They heard another bot being scrapped. "456…" Nathan sighed. "The question is if you can convince him to leave the household since he has been staying here."
"Right…." Cody nodded, "Only if it's a Bugster or something happened to the Gashats and Driver would be the only way for him to leave."
"Don't jinx it, Cody…"
As night drew over Shirogane household, everything was soon put to rest as barely anyone was up. Well, except the Iroh Guards that kept guard around the household along with the protection of the heir, Nathan. Tatsuya was still hard at training as the others were fast asleep, even the friends of Nathan was allowed to stay over as they were in their own rooms to rest.
Upon slicing another bot, he began to remember what his son said about vengeance. He knew Nathan was also seeking revenge on Graphite and the dark Rider like he is… Was he right…? Was he so focused on revenge, he forgot what is important? His own wife, his children… his own friend Tora who risked his own life? And even his students and the supposed successor?
He slowly lowered his katana, everything Nathan said coming to realization. Lowering his head for a moment, his grip on the weapon tightened as tears slowly escaped his eyes. His own son was right…
Wiping away the tears, he chose to call it a night as he exits the training room and made his way back to his room. He could still remember the devices he brought back again from the academy. In the academy he keeps under a glass casing but here in the household, he kept it in his room, in a safe, to prevent anyone from taking it since he would react whenever someones tries to take it.
But upon opening the door to his room, laying the ground unconscious was his wife, and on the edge of the window was a intruder, clad in black. Seeing the thief made Tatsuya's eyes narrow with a glare, the katana gleaming in the moonlight. His anger kept low but he was mad at the intruder for not only entering but also harming his wife. "Who are you and what made you have the gall to trespass the Shirogane household."
"Heh, just a fellow thief looking for a certain game for my collection." The figure shrugged.
Tatsuya frowned as he slowly got into a stance with his blade, held in the way of the samurai. He took a deep breath and kept the blade close. "You will have to go through me if you wish to get it thief." He warned and rushed towards the thief.
"Who said it had to be me?" He smirked, jumping away as what crashed through the window, tackling the veteran was a Bugster. It wore some dark blue with some gold accents, as it had the design of a Ronin mixed with a fox.
"Bugster." He presented his Proto-Taddle Quest Gashat and pressed it while placing his own Gamer Driver onto his waist.
[TADDLE QUEST!]
"Henshin!"
[GASHATTO! GACHAAN! LEVEL UP!]
[TADDLE MEGURU! TADDLE MEGURU! TADDLE QUEST~!]
Once in his Proto-Brave form, he twirled his own Gashacon Sword and struck the Bugster before he blocks the thief's attack. The one disadvantage they had was facing a Rider using the Proto-Gashats. The power between the two and Proto-Brave was a big gap as he held his ground against the two.
Though while he fought against the Bugster, the thief walked over towards the safe, thanks to his instructions, as he then dialed away at it as he began to hack and break it open.
Proto-Brave took notice and kicked the Bugster away before he chucked his sword right at the thief, the blade cutting the thief's arm, the blade embedding the wall right in front of the thief. The thief stumbled a bit, clutching the large wound on his arm due to the blade that nearly cut off his arm.
"Geh! Damn it!" He gritted, "Knock him out! We got a job to do, and thanks to your idiocy, I can't work it properly!" He ordered the Bugster.
The Rider quickly turned around as the Bugster shoved him to the wall, punching his armor as the attack was damaging the armor bit by bit. Proto-Brave grunted as he slowly reaches for the alarm and pulled the rope, the chime of bells ringing throughout the household. The Rider punched the Bugster in the face before delivering his knee to its chest.
It was moved back, as it held it's chest before placing the sword into the ground, as it does, several eastern armor clad Bugsters rise up from the ground as they charge ahead, overwhelming him with its forces as the head Bugster moved towards the thief.
"About time! No need for subtle, slice it down." He ordered.
The Ronin Bugster nodded as it slashed the safe open before the thief took the Gamer Driver, and the two Gashats inside. Proto-Brave growled as he tried to rush to them, only to be stopped by the Bugster Grunts as the thief made his exit through the window with the Bugster following suit.
"Damn it!" He snarled, punching and kicking the Bugsters before he grabbed his blade once more, "Stay out of my way!" He shouted, waving his blade and erasing the grunts before he turned to the window, and by the time he saw the outside, morning soon started to loom over and begin… He lost the thief.
Morning rose in the Shirogane manor as the Iroh Guards were kept on full alert as a few of the butlers and maids was tending to Tatsuya's wife while the head of the clan was looking at the broken safe. His hands clenched tightly upon the items being stolen by a thief.
"What happened?" He glanced over his shoulder to see Cody and the others.
"A thief broke in… and stole the items of Lazer…" He informed them. "He even had help from a new Bugster…"
"What!?"
"Who would send someone to take them? I mean, no one else knows!"
With Nathan, he was slowly using the crutches as he noticed the others in his father's room. He frowned as he helps himself to walk towards them and sees what happened. "So… who took it?" Cody asked.
"A thief garbed in black…"
"Any ideas, Izuku?" Cody asked, only for him to shake his head.
"Sorry, but that's not enough info on any hero or villain, since many do have black."
Nathan peeks over them and noticed blood. Using his Quirk, he kept focus and saw the trail. He goes to the window as others noticed him. "Nathan?" The sniper ignored them as he looks at the blood trail.
"Father, you injured him?"
"Yeah, he couldn't have gone far without medical attention. Why?"
Nathan was silent as he used his Quirk to focus more on where the trail headed, his vision sharpening as the Longshot Quirk allowed him to see closer and closer.
"Onii-sama, you can't be serious enough to go after him in that state." Naomi frowned.
"How else you guys will be able to track that thief? What I learned just from seeing this, the thief would need to seek medical help while the blood trail will vanish unless someone can look carefully. And from everyone in this group, my Quirk is the only thing to help find the thief and get back those items."
"We'll find a way. Sides, we can't let you go out there like that, you could reopen a wound." Poppy noted. "And as your friend, as well as a nurse in training, you're going to have to stay."
"And by then, the thief will be gone," He frowned. "I don't care about my stupid condition, you guys need help."
"And we can handle this, Nathan. You need rest, or do should I ask Kaizer or All-Might to make sure you stay?" Poppy crossed her arms as she frowned, "Face it, it's either stay here, or we all stay here."
"I told you I'm fi- Guh!" Nathan grunted, holding his side as the pain shot up once more, crippling him.
"Onii-sama, they're right. You can't go like this." Naomi said, as she eased him onto a nearby chair.
"I rather not sit around while you guys have dead ends to finding the thief," He winced.
"Nathan, that is enough." Tatsuya said, "You are to rest, and I won't have another word of it. Understood?"
"But father-"
"I know that Tora was family to you. I know he was the closest thing to a good friend since he was aware of your childhood." The head of the clan said before he knelt down, placing his hand on his son's shoulder. "Nathan, Tora does mean a lot to us both. He was family and a very good friend but I do remember something he once told me when we accepted each other as good comrades. 'A racer can't go on without a crew. They are not just a group but a family to help win the race.'" He quoted. "And this time, I have to find out who that thief is." He glanced at the students. "You children stay here and watch my son."
"Father?" Naomi got out.
"I will go after him," He said. "That Gamer Driver and two Gashats cannot be in their hands. Whoever took it will end up killing himself if they are to use it. Not to mention, this fight is mine."
"But you can't do this alone either!" Naomi said with worry.
"What if…. I ask my dad to help out too?" Cody questioned. The young rider soon flinched when Tatsuya looked at him from that question.
The swordsman clenched his hands softly. "Not now…" He replied. "Your father has no fighting experience and it can get him killed."
"Just be careful, Oto-san…" Naomi said softly.
Tatsuya nodded as he grabbed his sheathed katana, Gamer Driver, and Gashat before leaving the household.
Inside the apartment of the family, Kaizer was going over his recent patient and more. Though as he does, those faint images of the Bugster, along with the words of Tatsuya haunted him still. He held his head gently as he tried to forget about that day again. It was the biggest mistake he made. To study a Bugster while risking the life of his own wife. He would have ended up killing his own wife as he studied the Bugster. And even if his wife and family forgave him, he still hasn't.
"God help me…" He sighed softly, placing his hands over his face.
"Honey…" From afar stood his wife, a worried frown on her face, "You need to let that go… I forgave you already."
"But… Tatsuya made a true point…" He lowered his head. "I would have gotten you killed if that Bugster wasn't gone…"
She walked over before wrapping her arms around him, bringing him back into her warmth, "I know… But you were doing it for the greater good and stopping this virus from becoming a major threat… Don't lose yourself in what you are, a healer and protector."
He raised his head to look at her before looking away. While it was true, it was still regretful for what he has done. While he was trying to find a way, it blinded him to realize the mistake he made. "I… think I'll take a walk, and try to clear my head…"
"Just be careful, alright?" she said, pecking his cheek as the doctor then stood up as he made his way out of the apartment and went off into the streets, hoping to find his answer and clear this guilt.
Tatsuya knelt down on the blood trail, gently examining it from his sights. Judging from the amount, it was somewhat slowing down. No doubt he was nearing the thief and the Bugster that is helping him. Grabbing the grip of his katana, he placed the Gamer Driver on his waist as a precaution and carefully approached the area the thief is in.
He continued to follow the trail as it seemed to lead through several alleyways and corners before it soon started to become small streets and suburban areas. He was being lead to a place with many people and that was dangerous. Placing the sheathed katana by his side, he observed his surroundings carefully since he remembered injuring the thief's arm and the pain would still affect whoever stole the Gamer Driver and two Gashats.
But upon moving past one last corner, his face grew pale with worry. In front of him was a few streets, people… and a hospital. One that held not only several people, but also the CR. "The thief is in there… but who would take it…? The only one who is aware of my home is…." He growled. "CR. Someone from there is the reason. Betraying the very group that was aiming to stop the Bugsters..." With his determination rising, he approached the hospital and approached the front desk, the employee raising her head.
"Excuse me, did anyone come here with an injury in the arm?"
"Um.. you'll have to be specific, sir.." The employee said, gesturing to the several people in the lobby with many different arm injuries.
"He would happen to have arrived with a large vertical gash not too long ago, possibly 3 hours.."
"I.. don't know… These people all rush in at the same time…"
Tatsuya pondered for a moment, "How about any CR Members with an arm injury?"
His question made her blink, "Well, I do remember one. He said he got it from a training accident."
"And did he show up three hours ago?"
"Y-Yes, he is right now heading to the medical room to finish his shift."
The head of the Shirogane clan frowned, "Tell security to lockdown this hospital. And inform them to keep away. That man is allied with a Bugster." He said before he took action and ran across the halls while the woman nodded and contacted security to alert the situation.
The veteran rushed through the halls, knowing that the CR is the place for him to seek shelter as he rushed towards it, only to find the elevator locked down. He growled before he pried it open before he gripped onto the cable wire and slowly began to slide down to the CR area.
Sliding down with the help of the cloth in his hands, he eventually made it to the last lower floor and pried it open. Once he did, he found the entrance and slowly tread ahead. Taking cover, he slowly peeks from the corner, noticing the Ronin Bugster and the CR members who was walking back and forth, his arm wrapped in bandages while the other members were afraid. No doubt the innocent members were being kept hostage.
"This is all your fault! You never told me that the Shirogane man would be that pissed!" He said to whoever was on the phone. "If anything, that guy nearly cleaved my arm off!"
Tatsuya observed, listening in to whoever that man was talking to in the phone. "Yeah!? Well this isn't done, alright!?" He angrily hung up.
"We best hurry before a more powerful Pro Hero, shows up" Ronin said to the thief.
"You don't think I know that!?"
"What about them?" The Bugster gestured to the hostages.
"Just get rid of them!"
Tatsuya frowned before he made himself know, his Katana in hand and the Gashat in the other. "Not on my watch, traitor." The swordsman spoke, his eyes now yellow.
"Hold it!" The thief took one of the nurses, holding a knife to her neck, "You change, they all die… Even someone of your caliber won't let an innocent life be taken…."
"J-Just why are you doing this?" The nurse asked.
"Heh, I wish I could tell you girl… But unfortunately, I'm on the clock." He then looks at Tatsuya. "Now drop that Driver of yours, now!" Tatsuya stared before he gently sets down his Gamer Driver on the floor. "And that katana of yours!"
Tatsuya frowned before he sheathed his sword and sets it down as well. He gripped the Gashat tightly as the man looks at the weapons on the floor.
"Ronin… Deal with him…" The thief ordered.
Tatsuya quickly tossed the Gashat at the thief, the object hitting the man's forehead as the impact made him drop the knife as the clutched his head from the pain. Tatsuya acted quickly, grabbing his gear and pressed the Gashat.
[TADDLE QUEST!]
"Henshin!"
[GASHATTO! GACHAAN! LEVEL UP!]
[TADDLE MEGURU! TADDLE MEGURU! TADDLE QUEST~!]
Now in his Proto Brave form, he brought out the Gashacon Sword, rushing towards the thief and tackled him. Once down, he swerved to block the attack of the Ronin Bugster's sword. The clash being even before the Rider lowered Ronin's blade and used the Fire mode to deliver a fiery slash across its chest.
"Gah! Lousy, Rider!" The Ronin Bugster growled out.
The two clashed as sparks flew off from the blows, each one hitting against one another before the Bugster quickly brought out another sword, slashing at the Veteran's chest as it forced him to pull back before another slash sent him tumbling to the ground.
Proto-Brave rolled over to avoid a stab and struck Ronin's leg which caused it to kneel before he backflipped and kicked the Bugster away from him before it soon made it's way out of the room. Looking back at the thief, he quickly handcuffed the man to the medical bed, preventing him from fighting or resisting.
"I will handle you later," Proto-Brave said before he went after Ronin, tackling him into the elevator as it closed in time to allow the two to fight inside the elevator. The two sword wielders had to use their fists, punching each other inside the ascending elevator.
"You're losing your edge, Brave…. That Proto Gashat is slowly taking it's toll on you."
"That's what you think, rogue one." He grabbed the Bugster by its head and slammed it to the wall of the elevator, creating a dent. "My body is strong enough to handle it unlike that dark rider." He kicked the Bugster's gut as the doors opened. Grabbing his sword, he struck the Bugster, strong enough to send it right through the elevator and through the side of the building.
Proto-Brave soon followed suite, landing on the ground, but upon doing so a familiar bone blade struck him hard several times before flinging him to the ground, his health gauge dropping by half as he looked up to see Graphite.
"Hmph, just like his son… weak and pathetic." The Dragon Bugster scoffed before turning to the Ronin. "Hope I am not intruding."
"I need all the help."
Proto-Brave grabbed his Katana, now using two blades, twirling them both, bended his knees slightly and aimed the blades at the two. "Bring it." He challenged. The two lunged at him, the swordsman using his Katana to block Ronin's attack then used his Gashacon Sword to block the other attack from Graphite, he grunted from the amount of force they tried to use but he held his ground and shoved them away. "Sei!" He struck Ronin before he quickly sheathed it and used Gashacon Sword to hit Graphite before he unsheathed his katana again. "I want answers. Who hired that thief? And why were you and that dark rider after the data my son has?" He demanded coldly.
"Hmph, you'll find out in the afterlife…" Graphite said, holding his blades up, "Roaring Dragon Fang!"
The Bugster swiped the air as he then launched as blast at the Rider. He blocked it with his sword, but the attack was much stronger than him as in moments, his stance began to weaken before the blast powered through it, forcing the rider away from them.
The black knight panted, using his swords to stand back up and looks at the two Bugsters. "You really are persistent to prevent anyone from finding the answers, aren't you?"
"Indeed…. You Beta Players need to learn to stay down…" Graphite said as the two slowly began to approach him, "At least we won't need to deal with you…."
"Then why not deal with us?" A voice called out, and standing afar from them was Kaizer, with the Gashats and the Gamer Driver in hand.
"YOU!?" Proto-Brave got out in disbelief. "Why are you here?"
"You honestly think my hospital wouldn't inform me about this?" He stated, "Sides, I can't leave now. Not without these two understanding to back off my turf."
Proto-Brave grimaced under his helmet before he said, "Fine…. Only for now…"
"Hmph, and how do you think you can do this? You're not trained like the others." Graphite scoffed. "Face it, you can't do anything against us."
"I know that…" Kaizer admitted before glancing at Proto-Brave who was focused on the two Bugsters. "But if it means to help the one who made me open my eyes to reality then I have to return the favor." The black knight glanced at him for a moment before focusing back on the enemy.
"Heh, serious? I'm surprised Brave here isn't plotting a way to take back that Gashat. After all, it belongs to his precious friend… One who would be disappointed with the treatment that you spread, Kaizer." Graphite taunted.
"Shut it," Kaizer looks at Proto-Brave, surprised he of all people was defending him. "So what if he made a mistake? It is what makes us human unlike you pests."
"Tatsuya…"
"Mistakes is what we humans often make but even then… we can learn to correct ourselves and make sure we get it right. While you may think that… I think it is a step for him to achieve what he seeks." He looks at Kaizer. "Kaizer… I may be difficult but there are reasons to it. I… will consider allowing you but if you want to learn, you will have work under my wing."
"You mean like being your sidekick?"
"... yes." He sighed before focusing on the Bugsters. "So… what do you say?"
"Heh, I'd say after this, I'm treating you to a good drink." He smirked, placing on the Gamer Driver as he lifted up both the Bakusou Bike and Giri Giri Chambara Gashats as he pressed on them.
[BAKUSOU BIKE!/GIRI GIRI CHAMBARA!]
Yellow and black ripples of the game field formed out as what flew out was a short, cybernetic samurai as it floated around the rider as he placed both of the Gashats into his driver. "Shifting into 3rd Gear! Henshin!" He declared, as he gripped the panel and opened it up.
[GACHAAN! LEVEL UP!]
[BAUSOU! DOKUSOU! GEKISOU! BAKuSOU BIKE!]
[A-GACHA! GIRI! GIRI! GIRI! CHAMBARA!]
As the Level Up Screens flew out the first one flew into him as he touched his Rider Character forming into his Lv 2 Bike form. But upon touching the second screen, the wheels on him disappeared as he then began to float up, the body of the bike moving upward and straight before the bike began to shift and fold into a new form. The Cybernetic Samurai then floated around him as it's body broke apart and began to attach to him, creating a new form.
What stood there now was a more cybernetic body, it was mostly yellow from the motorcycle body, as it then had a combat frill on the legs, as the arms of the Cybernetic Samurai shifted into legs for him, and vice versa as it's legs became his arms with guards on them. The face plated then attached as the form was complete, standing there was the new Lazer, Kamen Rider Neo-Lazer LV 3.
"Feels much better walking around in this form than that bike." Neo-Lazer noted as he shifted and moved his arms and legs around a bit.
"Focus, Kaizer." Proto-Brave scolded before he rushed towards the Bugsters.
"Roger." He nodded, holding his hand out as the item roulette formed, as his new weapon came into his hand. It was a long, yellow and purple bow with serrated edges of the mass.
[GASHACON SPARROW!]
Neo-Lazer rushed in to help out Proto-Brave as the duo were now on the offensive and the enemy on the defensive. Each strike from Proto-Brave was swift while Neo-Lazer's… well, sloppy to say the least but he understood he had much to learn from the veteran. If it means to gain his full trust to using it then so be it. The shogun fired a few rounds at the Ronin Bugster who stumbled from the attack as Proto-Brave slammed his fist against Graphite's face, the green dragon grasping his face in pain from the punch.
"Guh… I wasn't ordered to deal with you both…." Graphite growled before vanishing.
"B-But Graphite! What about me?!" The only response he got was nothing as the Bugster panicked as he looks at the two Riders.
"Let's end this fight," Proto-Brave declared as he grabs his Gashat and slams it into his Gashacon Sword.
"Roger that." Neo-Lazer nodded, placing his Gasthat into the weapon as well.
[GASHATTO! KIMEWAZA!]
Blue flames soon build up into the blade as rows and rows of arrows soon build up around the tips of the weapon as they soon aim for the Bugster as it tried to escape.
"As if I'd let you escape." Neo-Lazer said, pulling the trigger.
[GIRI GIRI!/TADDLE CRITICAL FINISH!]
Proto-Brave was first as he unleashed a slash of fire, hitting the Bugster. It struck it as it was put into a blaze, but before it could react several arrows fly out and impale the Bugster, each arrow adding on, but as the flames died own, floating above Neo-Lazer was another set of arrows as the rider made a roundhouse kick, sending the rest of the arrows into the Bugster before it cried out in pain as it was encompassed into a fireball.
Upon finishing it, a tune began to play as the game roulette appeared before stopping on Giri Giri Chambara before placing the cleared card on it.
[GAME CLEAR!]
Neo-Lazer cheered in victory while Proto-Brave swiped his sword before it was gone and canceled his armor. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at Neo-Lazer. "Come on, we have one last thing to take care off." He said.
"R-Right!"
As the two reached the CR, upon opening it, they were only greeted with the corpse of the thief, laying on the ground with a snapped neck. Tatsuya growled, as he rushed over, wanting to check for any real signs of his attacker, but found nothing. "Damn it…" He cursed lowly. Something clearly was up. He knew that CR and GEMN Corp are the only ones who are aware of the secret floor. And the chance of someone else is unlikely. Was there someone within the organization who doesn't want them to find out? If so… why were they after his son…? Was it because of the data? Or… was there something Nathan found that lead to it…?
Just as they were about to leave, Tatsuya noticed something in the thief's hand. Reaching for it, he opened the thief's fingers and found the phone and paper. Grabbing the two items, he observed the paper and noticed it was a piece of paper with a number. He read it before his eyes narrowed. 'Why did he call someone?' He wondered before looking at the phone. Checking it, he looked through the contacts and sees only one. The same number on that paper. Each call showed it was dialed during the incident. Just who did he call?
"Found something?" Kaizer asked, making Tatsuya shake his head to lie.
"Nothing…" He said, secretly pocketing the two items. "No leads on who killed him…"
"Bummer…" Kaizer sighed. "So… what now?"
"We head back…" Tatsuya said, heading to the elevator as Kaizer followed.
The two decided to head back to the Shirogane clan household as they went back as Tatsuya was the first to enter, seeing the others who seemed to be waiting for him. "I am back." He spoke.
"Father!" Naomi beamed and hugged him. "Did everything go okay in catching the thief?"
"At first yes… but after the Bugster fight, he was dead. Someone didn't want him to say who sent him to steal the Gamer Driver."
"What? Who?"
"Maybe the same ones who made the Bugsters." Nathan huffed. "Knowing that Dark Rider, he probably did it. Since he tried to do the same to me, remember?"
"That's not all." Tatsuya glanced at Kaizer. "He will be helping us."
"Wait, you mean…?"
"Yeah… I'm… I'm letting go of Tora and allowing him to be his successor…" Tatsuya admitted.
"But I will have to work under Tatsuya's wing." Kaizer added.
"So, sidekick?"
"Yeah…." The Doctor sighed.
"Hey, look at it this way dad, you get some training. Plus, I can help out with the Genre's you have too!" Cody offered with a smile.
"I thought you were Snipe's sidekick?" Kaizer raised an eyebrow.
"Hey! I'm no sidekick!" Cody frowned. "Why must everyone assume that!"
"Well… Nathan is teaching you…"
"He is an official hero."
"And… others see it that way."
"So in a sense…"
"I'm no sidekick!" Cody cried out, frowning at the others as some of them only laughed at the teasing. "Just you wait, I will show them I am not one!"
"And that is when you graduate which is three years." Nathan chuckled.
"Oh come on! You are so lucky, Nathan!"
"Not luck. I worked hard enough to earn it." Nathan pointed out.
"Still, it does still bring in some worry." Izuku noted, "Why are they truly trying to keep this all a secret? What's their purpose?"
Nathan and Kaizer were quiet as the others pondered. For Nathan, he knew it had something to do with the 'Patient Zero' and the data he gathered proved much of it being the reason. If they were to find the origin, they would be able to stop it and they rather not let it happen. Not to mention, he can assume that Kuroto has an agenda. He remembered hacking through a few files involving other games to make. It made him wonder just what he has planned for them. The Battle Data needed to make them was necessary but it only gives Kuroto the opportunity. Which he will not allow to happen.
'Just you wait Kuroto… you want a fight? Then I'll give you one…' Nathan vowed before he moved himself back to his room and go to his laptop. Time for the Wargames to begin.
"Nathan." He looked at his father. "Thank you for making me realize what is right through revenge…"
"It's the least I can-"
*BA-DUMP*
Nathan's eyes widened as he clutched his chest. "Nathan?" Cody asked. The sniper felt something in his body. It felt… strange. His old wounds felt like they were on fire, like someone poured hot lava into them. He slowly fell to his knees before everything suddenly went dark.
Nathan groaned heavily, slowly opening his eyes to see himself in… The CR? He leaned up gently to see he was indeed in the CR that was build by the Ministry to deal with any other Bugster cases.
"Damn it… what happened...?" He grimaced.
"Onii-sama!" Naomi cried out, as she hugged him tightly with tears running down her face.
"Why am I in the CR…?"
"It's because of your condition." Kaizer said, walking into view. "You remember what Graphite and that Dark Rider did to you, correct?"
"You mean from the torture Graphite and the Dark Rider did to me 5 weeks ago?" Nathan remembered.
"Yes." Kaizer nodded as he brought up a screen for him to see. "As you know.. The Bugsters are still a virus. And while you are immune to their effects due to the compatibility surgery, you can still be infected."
"Yeah and each Rider is given a immunity surgery to prevent themselves from becoming a Bugster."
"Well… seems this time? The virus has evolved… You're infected with the Game Disease." Kaizer grimaced.
"W-What…?" Nathan grabs the screen and looks through the photos. "This never happened before… even when I fought Graphite twice."
"Tell me about it… When I saw the results, I was with just as much confusion." Kaizer said, "Seems when Graphite and that Dark Rider cut you, part of their virus grew inside of you. It mutated and changed into this new affliction…"
"You mean two different types in one body?" Naomi gasped.
"Correct…. And while Genm Corp is researching this, we don't know what this new virus could do…"
Nathan growled, "Tell Genm Corp to stop, now."
"Sorry, but we can't." Kaizer denied. "Without their expertise, we can't find a way to cure you and remove this threat without consequences. For you, you'll have to remain here until it's done. And if you dare leave, I'll strap you into the bed."
Nathan gripped his hands tightly. He was aware of Kuroto's doings and that bastard was going to use it. He will not allow it to continue without a fight. The sniper always makes his mark, always.
"Onii-sama…. Please…. Just listen and rest for once…" Naomi pleaded, tears in her eyes.
"And let Gemn Corps learn more to this mess!?" He suddenly snapped.
"O-Onii-sama… I just-"
He forcefully grabbed the IV and yanked it off and glares at Kaizer. "I can't let them use that strand into their own gain."
"Sorry…. But I also can't let you leave… You are to remain here…. Even your father said so." Kaizer frowned, "And if you dare leave, I'll have to get All-Might here to hold you down."
Nathan gripped Kaizer's collar as they were against the wall, "Listen here Kaizer, while you may be a doctor, I do know a thing or two about my doings. While you and others think this is best, I can keep myself in control."
But before he could do a thing, that surge of pain started up again, causing him to gasp and groan in pain as he then held his chest as that same burning sensation started up again. Kaizer sighed as he helped him back up and back onto the bed.
"Whatever your problem with Genm Corp is, should remain only outside. In here? You will obey my rules. Got that?"
'Not in a long shot…' He growled in his thoughts.
"You can't leave until you're healed and this matter is resolved. If you got a problem with it? Take it up with your father."
When Kaizer left, the sniper growled to the point he punched the wall. Naomi has never seen this level of anger at all. Nathan was surely enraged until he lowered his arm and glanced at the small table. He walked over to see his suit was still here.
"Onii-sama?" Nathan glanced at her then at his suit to search for something and found the gauntlet. "Onii-sama, what are you doing?"
"I can't tell you what Gemn Corp's dark secret but it is something I have to prevent."
"What? Why not? I thought you weren't going to keep secrets from me anymore!" She frowned.
Nathan lowered his head as he placed on the gauntlet. "I did promise but this kind of situation… could get you killed."
"Onii-sama! Please! Just rest up!" Naomi pleaded. She was tired of him doing these tasks on his own and more pushing her away. "Is this truly because you just don't trust me? That you would only share this with Kairi?"
He stopped before he slowly looks at the blonde. Tears run down Naomi's face as she stood there crying softly, "Is what grandfather once said true? That you only see me as a replacement for Kairi and nothing more?"
"No… You are not a replacement."
"Then why? Why do you always push me away when I just want to see you at your best?" She shouted at him, "Why do you always push my pleas away when we both know you can't just do this alone and hurt? Why don't you care about my feelings?" She questioned him, dropping to her knees once as she cried.
Nathan stared at Naomi as his eyes watered before he kneeled down and hugged her. Causing the young girl to flinch before she hugged him back tightly as they held the hug for awhile before Nathan soon made her look at him in the eyes.
"You aren't a replacement, Naomi. I do care about you… it's just that I can't risk losing more people again…" He admitted. "It is true I often fight alone, only because I had to get stronger to defeat Graphite… to stop the other Bugsters…"
"O-Onii-sama… Then.. why do you ignore my pleas to you?" She asked, sniffling as he wiped her tears away.
"Because… I am worried it would get you hurt… just like what happened to Kairi. I tried to save her… pleaded… but I couldn't… she died in my arms and that damn Bugster formed because of that… it haunts me… even when I played games, it haunts me. It felt like it was my fault… I missed her… and I didn't want the same thing to happen again… Especially to you…. The one who was able to give my heart a new breath of life..."
"Onii-sama….." Naomi said softly before she hugged him once more, "I'll trust you…. But…. please… at least get some rest so you don't injure yourself again…. For me?"
He wanted to go to Gemn Corps but he couldn't right now. Taking a deep breath, he removed the grappling gauntlet. "Only for now…" He murmured.
Naomi smiled softly, as she felt him wiping the last of her tears away before the two shared a loving kiss, her arms snaking around his neck and holding him closely.
From the viewing room, Kaizer looked down at the two couple before he glanced at the USB in hand, clenching it, 'Trust me, kid… I know just as much as you do… And already 6 steps ahead to end this fight.' Kaizer said in his thoughts.
While Kaizer felt relief he hasn't noticed but Nathan would find his way out soon enough. A sniper makes their mark no matter the situation.
After a long while, within the apartment complex, Cody and Mina who came over as a guest finally relax, as the doctor plopped onto the couch, easily falling asleep as the two teens head into relax and maybe get some rest as well.
"You know you could've gone home, Mina." Cody said to her with a soft smile.
"Come on, your parents don't seem to mind me staying." She said.
"Heh, true." He smiled, kissing her cheek, "So, what do you want to do?"
She pondered for a moment before glancing at the arcade machine that he still has. "Ooh! How about we play that game! DoReMiFa Beat!"
He turned back to the arcade before back to her with a smile, "Reminiscing our first date?" He chuckled, "Alright, sure thing." He agreed as the two teens walked over and started the game up, though also forgetting a certain character watching them from within the arcade.
The two continued to play, with them having a great time together before sleep soon drew them in. Mina stayed in the guest room they had as Cody was in his room, the young teen quickly fast asleep as he rested there.
Though as he does, the arcade glows as Poppy comes out of the game as she walked over to the young teen's bed, a soft smile on her face as she moved a few hair strands away from his forehead before she sighed, "Even after everything, no matter how hard it is for school or the Bugsters, you always keep playing my game…" She said softly, making sure she doesn't wake him up.
The Idol Bugster stood there as she continued to look down at him with a warm smile on her face as she then somewhat felt a warmth in her heart before she leaned down and pecked his cheek, "Please… make sure you keep playing with me, alright, Cody?"
She heard him mumble in his sleep before he turns away and continues to sleep. She only giggled softly to herself before she helped move the blankets over him when the slide off after his movement. The Bugster smiled at him as she started to make her way back to her arcade, before something made her stop, she placed her hand on her chest as she turned back before she then walked back before crawling into the bed, and hugged him gently.
"You're amazing Cody…." She said softly. "And I know you'll become great…"
A/N: Heya minna! Welp! Kaizer now has LV 3 and Tatsuya accepts him! ^^ I know it's been awhile, but I wanted to try and build up to this with how Tatsuya was. I know I could've done better, but hey, I am trying new things. :P
Plus, next chapter is gonna be special and one I've very excited about! OwO This was one of the few new ideas I thought of for this story and it'll be coming to play next chap and as well future chaps as well. I hope you're all ready for it?
Until then, later minna!