A/N: SO SORRY! I realise that it has already been over half a year since I posted anything! I would be thoroughly surprised to see anyone still reading this. Truth is usually stranger than fiction.
I was asked to write an original story for a light novel (My writing style is actually more like a light novel than an actual novel) and so I was all fired up being the ambitious little writer that I am, I wrote out the story outlines for 6 stories and continued to write two of the ones I deemed best. Only when I was finishing up the two stories did I realise something... I went over the deadline. Well, that effectively ends my career as a writer, how short it was. So now I have two original stories that I may or may not publish on fiction press. Probably not.
In my mad writing of the two stories, I completely forgot to write anything for this one, so once I was nearly done with my two originals, I quickly went back to business. A little rushed near the end because I am quite exhausted from writing those two originals.
Well, onto news for the Angel Beats! game. From what I can see, it is mainly going through the main story like the Anime. Of course in order to clear the game you would probably need to clear all of the different routes... guy routes? Not sure... There is a Iwasawa route! Confirmed!
But other than that, Japan is really heading into a problem... its leaders seem to enjoy stepping on everyone's toes. What are they thinking? I really like Japan but with politicians like that makes me wonder if the exploding point in Asia is near its peak. Kind of sad, really.
Angel Beats!
What We Live For
Operation 51
Envy
That remark by Chaa was definitely a death flag for the rest of the team, not to mention the shounen-manga like style of climbing a tower of impending doom on a universal level would undoubtedly cause the next few opponents to be far stronger than the rest below. In other words, not only would the others find harder enemies in their way, but they would also face a higher probability of death.
"That remark is not necessary."
Yuri muttered.
"Yurippe? Who are you talking to?"
Hinata asked, to which Yuri shook her head.
"No one in particular... Looks like we're at the next one already."
They group reached the next hall with the same pair of giant doors as the previous ones. This one had the carvings of men and women, all having their heads face down to their feet but their eyes all seem to be looking at one another. In comparison with the other doors, this one was quite plain and simple. The carvings were modest, at best, and the colours were dull and unpolished.
"... This is..."
Yuri studied the carvings carefully.
"I know! Embarrassment!"
Takagi shouted. Yuri sighed, shaking her head.
"Matsushita, if you please."
Yuri said. The large size judo practitioner grabbed the one being targeted and flipped him over and onto the ground.
"GAH!"
"As if embarrassment was a sin. If it were, I would be in hell hundred times over just being around you guys. And disappointment."
Yuri muttered, looking at the carvings once more.
"No... this is... envy."
She said, touching the door slightly. She turned to the SSS2 members in the group.
"So?"
She asked, making the SSS2 looked back to her in confusion.
"What do you mean 'so'?"
Kyou asked, making Yuri somewhat irritated but she composed herself.
"I'm asking whether you know who is waiting for us beyond this door."
Yuri rephrased herself, making Kyou think.
"... It's most likely-"
"Tatsumi Kenji."
Stepping forward from the rest of the group, Tenryuu Shuusuke spoke up with a slight cheeky smile.
"... Traitor."
Iris spat but Shuusuke paid her no mind.
"It is the most logical deduction after all the leaders we have fought thus far."
Shuusuke explained, walking up to the door and touching the carvings on it.
"Taeno Yuki is the advent of Pride and Kurogane Kou is wrath incarnate. The only leader left who is not accounted for is Tatsumi Kenji, the leader of the intelligence division."
"Is this... Tatsumi fellow strong?"
Yuri asked, making the SSS2 members look to one another.
"Well... I would not really call him strong."
Kyou admitted and the others nodded in agreement. Even Iris.
"But his strengths lie within something else. No one knows what it is, actually, as no one has seen him fight with his powers or weapons. He is a 'back field general', as those in the Assault division would call him."
Tomoyo added.
"While it is true that not many has seen his powers, even within the intelligence division itself, we all trust him and respect him for his leadership capabilities."
Iris countered but her words showed that even she was unclear on what would happen.
"Well, there is one thing that is certain about him though."
Kyou said, remembering something.
"What is it?"
"... It is strange that although he clearly isn't as strong as Yuki or Kou, he has never lost a battle before. Even during a short practise duel against Kou herself was brought to a draw."
That statement alone was more than enough to confirm the fears of everyone in the group. Tatsumi Kenji was a Division leader, and someone who can bring out a draw from a duel with the reaper herself, be it a practise duel or not.
"... Let's not waste any more time than we have to."
Yuri said, pushing the doors open and stepping through. What they stepped into, however, immediately caused a lot of them to stagger back.
"Well this is certainly a surprise."
Yuri muttered, and certainly it was. Stepping through the doors led the group into what could be best described as a giant space... with mirrors. Solid mirrors lined the sides, the floor and even the high ceiling. All they looked around them were mirrors.
"... Those wearing skirts might want to cover them up."
Rei pointed out, before earning glares, death stares from the girls.
[Katsuragi Rei receives 99999999999999999999999999 damage]
[Chain combo]
[Katsuragi Rei receives 99999999999999999999999999 damage]
[Chain combo X2]
[Katsuragi Rei receives 99999999999999999999999999 damage]
[Chain combo X3]
[Katsuragi Rei receives 99999999999999999999999999 damage]
[K.O]
[You Lose]
[Continue?]
[Y/N]
[Y]
"Is this some sort of fighting game?"
Yuri muttered off-handedly.
"You're not afraid of being looked at?"
Kyou asked, trying her best to pull her skirt lower to hide what she was wearing.
"Hm? No, not really. That's why underwear was invented, wasn't it? To hide your body? Why hide something that was made to hide something else?"
Yuri asked quite frankly, making some of the girls look to one another and question that in their heads as well.
"... But it's still embarrassing!"
Kyou finally snapped.
"Well, embarrassing it may be, but we still have to continue on."
Yuri said flatly. In truth, she was quite embarrassed to be seen as well but she couldn't let the others know that. It would cause unwanted attention to herself. The more you try to hide something, the more people will notice and will look. Yuri suddenly stopped walking as she noticed something in front of them. A young man with his hair slightly touching his shoulders, stood before them. But the thing that bothered Yuri was the fact that though he was standing before them in this giant space of mirrors, the man himself did not have any reflection.
"That is... Tatsumi Kenji."
It was like the man before them wasn't there. His existence was barely noticeable. He looked rather plain, his shoulder length hair, his small narrow eyes, his stoic composure. Nothing about him really stood out. An empty existence. It was rather frightening for Yuri as he seemed almost... like a ghost.
"Leader..."
Iris muttered, wanting to go over to where the young man was but a hand stopped her.
"What are you doing, Fujibayashi?"
Iris turned and glared at the one who stopped her.
"I should be asking that question. Have you lost it, Testarossa?"
Kyou shot back.
"That's my leader standing over there."
"And he's our enemy. You did not forget that, I hope."
Iris stood there in silence for the moment. She almost did lose it. She had almost forgotten their objective, their mission. Even if their leader was standing before them, they would have to fight. Not only to save them from the madness, but to stop the imminent doom of the program. Iris knew this to be true. Kyou and Tomoyo had to fight against their own leader, despite how hard it was for them to do so. Would Iris herself be able to do the same?
"... Let me go, Fujibayashi."
Iris silently muttered.
"Cooled down yet?"
"... More or less."
Iris yanked her hand out of Kyou's grip when she sensed the latter's grip lessened.
"It still doesn't change the fact that I have to do this."
Iris turned to face her leader.
"Testarrossa, it's too dangerous for you to take him on-"
"I am his second in command. The vice commander of the Intelligence division. I know my own leader better than anyone else, despite how little I actually do know about him."
Iris admitted, taking out her twin swords. But she was stopped once more, this time, by someone completely different.
"Now now, vice commander, no need to rush out and meet your end so quickly, now is there?"
Tenryuu Shuusuke smirked, stepping before Iris.
"You... get out of my way, I don't have time to deal with traitors like you."
"My my, such harsh language. It is sad to have it wasted on such a pretty face."
"Silence, worm."
Iris snapped at Shuusuke, who only sighed.
"So now I'm a bug? How low can I be demoted in one day? But besides that. I think I am better suited to take on our dear leader."
Shuusuke said, earning a surprised look from Iris.
"What makes you think you know better than me?"
"Well, for one, I was the leader of the analysing squad. I can read movements on the fly faster and better than you. Secondly, I actually do know of his weapons and abilities."
That caught everyone by surprise.
"W-what? But how would you be able to know what his weapons and skills are when no one else does? !"
Kyou asked in bewilderment. Shuusuke smiled at the looks on everyone's faces.
"Have you forgotten that I was working for 'that guy'? I was meant to spy on everything going on in the organisation and so of course I would have seen our leader use his weapon once or twice."
"Y-you-"
"Ara ara? Vice commander, I thought you would have realized by now just what I am capable of?"
Shuusuke smirked and Iris seriously wanted to punch him but stopped herself, regaining her composure.
"... If you really believe you are able to do it. Then so be it."
Iris said at last, turning to head towards the exit.
"Are you sure about this, Testarossa?"
Kyou asked, catching up with the vice commander of the intelligence division. Iris said nothing but looked straight on ahead.
"It's his decision."
Yuri said, walking ahead of Iris to reach the exit. Rei walked up to Shuusuke as the rest of the group followed Yuri to the exit.
"These are the bullets you need."
Rei said, passing Shuusuke a box. Shuusuke took the box but Rei would not let the box go.
"Katsuragi-san? I can't take the box if you don't let go."
"... Don't do anything stupid."
Rei said, making Shuusuke somewhat surprised.
"That's odd, I thought nobody cared."
"I don't. Just don't become filled with regrets and make my job any more difficult."
Rei threatened, letting Shuusuke take the box.
"Do I look like the type to leave regrets? You put me in such high regards."
Shuusuke sniggered, making Rei sigh as he turned to go.
"I won't tell you anymore than I have to. If you fail-"
"I won't."
Shuusuke said abruptly, his voice dropping to more serious tone.
"... Whatever the stakes may be, no matter the opponents that face me, I will not fail."
Rei looked at Shuusuke and saw that same determination that burned brightly in his eyes as it did to the others. There were no lies in those eyes. Rei smiled at that and walked off to follow the rest.
"I know you won't."
After the group left the giant hall of mirrors, Tenryuu Shuusuke faced his old boss, the leader of the Intelligence Division, Tatsumi Kenji. Tenryuu Shuusuke took out a knife from the pocket of his long black overcoat as he thought about the situation before him. He knew quite a bit about this enigmatic leader of the Intelligence division. It was his job to know. Sure, he may be a spy and could potentially cause harm to the thousands in the organisation, but he worked for a different goal, a goal that would save millions, or billions. The program.
A dangerous weapon that he was all too aware of. Why? Because he was part of the group that found the damn thing those years back during Operation: Watchdog which occurred at the same time as the great battle of Big Site. The Program 'Angel Player' was a program that could alter the very fabric of space and time within this World. God's tool. It wasn't long after he found the program that he met with Otonashi, the real hidden power behind the scenes. While he knew that Otonashi was once a human being, he knew as well that Otonashi had become something else entirely and wielded a lot of power. That was when he was revealed the 'truth' of the World and what would happen.
It was too late to stop the SSS2 from using the program and so he had to wait until the opportune moment arrived. That also meant that he had a lot of time to spy and gather information on every prominent member of the SSS2. But he had to do so without raising suspicions from the rest. In truth, he knew that the entire SSS2 was suspicious of his activities even before he met Otonashi. He was... different, to say the least. He had long suspected that something was wrong with the way the SSS2 were going about with their activities and when Otonashi approached him, he knew that he had a chance to right the wrongs done.
The only problem was that he would not be the one to finish it, nor would he be able to do anything to prevent this disaster from occurring. Thus he had to wait. He laid low and covered his tracks well, preventing the SSS2 from doing anything to him. They tried to keep a better eye on him as they placed him in charge of the Analysing squad of the Intelligence division. While it was true that Squad leaders could not go about doing much without anyone noticing, it was also true that Squad leaders had a lot of power. He did not act anyway outside of his duties as a Squad leader but he ordered his subordinates to do the things necessary instead.
Each time he sent a subordinate to do something, he would disguise it as another mission. All of the things he needed to do were to be completed by his subordinates who only thought they were doing mundane tasks. Only when their tasks were put together would one realize just what Shuusuke was doing. Shuusuke was patient, slowly planning, slowly calculating. He would always be two steps ahead of the SSS2 who tried to catch him, but they would never be able to, not until he wanted them to. The breakthrough finally came during Operation: Switch. The weird Operation in which all of the male and female members of the organisation had to switch uniforms and pretend to be the opposite sex for the day.
During that operation, he discovered an NPC within the ranks of the SSS2. Otonashi's prized NPC infiltrator. Katsuragi Rei. But Katsuragi had no idea about his true nature, a memory block, probably to prevent the raising of suspicions but all was revealed in Operation: Switch. But nothing happened. The SSS2 top leadership group knew about it but did nothing. Why? Why were they acting as such? He would not know, and soon, the day of judgement came. The program was activating itself. He knew he had no time to waste. He had to act and so he left the organisation and sought find Rei. Which he did. And so the game of hide and seek came to a close.
"... Of course, you knew just what I was doing, didn't you, leader-san?"
Shuusuke smirked, crossing his arms at the silent leader of the Intelligence division.
"..."
Tatsumi Kenji did not say anything, nor did he even make any inclination of a response.
"Hmm... always the silent one. Well, since you are not talking... why not I ask... you."
Shuusuke turned around to face a new figure. This person was standing behind Shuusuke, with his hands crossed. His facial features were the same but his eyes were slightly larger and his hair shorter.
"So, leader-san number 2, want to answer my question?"
Shuusuke asked the second person who stood behind him.
"... Since when did you realize that I was here?"
The second person asked, stepping forward.
"From the beginning. Didn't I tell you that I knew your abilities? Where no one else knew, I had realized it. Tatsumi Kenji, this is one of your abilities: 'Reflections of the Moon'."
The second person laughed at that answer.
"So, it is true that you have spied on my abilities. I should have been more careful around you."
Reflections of the Moon, it creates another Tatsumi Kenji, almost like a clone, but with the appearance altering from time to time. This was one of the basic skills of Tatsumi Kenji's weapons. While it wasn't from his SSS weapon, the leader of the Intelligence Division certainly had other powerful weapons at his disposal. Still, from what he knew, the clone would be unable to make any movement, being a simple 'dummy', as it were.
"You're wrong."
A voice spoke up, making Shuusuke turn. The first person, the one whom he thought was a dummy, just spoke.
"Looks like you didn't do your research properly."
A new voice spoke up. Stepping forward out of thin air, another young man appeared.
"Skills can be dangerous... depending on how you look at them."
Another young man stepped forward.
"And now who has the upper hand?"
Another. And another. And another. More and more people started appearing, surrounding Tenryuu Shuusuke completely.
"Oi oi oi, this is a very bad joke."
Shuusuke muttered. He definitely did not hear about this skill being able to create an army of Tatsumi Kenjis. The first Tatsumi Kenji raised an eyebrow at Shuusuke's remark and smiled.
"A joke? I can assure you that this isn't a joke."
[Boss Fight]
[5th Division Leader: Intelligence]
[Tatsumi Kenji]
[Alignment: Lawful Neutral]
[Type: Envy]
[Level: 140
HP: 7000000
MP: 6000000
Strength: B
Agility: B
Endurance: B
Luck: C]
[Weapons List:
- Mimir (Rank SSS)
- Mask of Loki (Rank S)
- Dagger of resentment (Rank S)]
The battle was fierce, with the clones of Tatsumi Kenji charging at Tenryuu Shuusuke, who was only armed with metal covered gloves and boots, punching and kicking all around. Each clone was no push-over, however, as they were each the same level as a Squad leader. Tenryuu, however, was no ordinary Squad leader. A competent fighter himself, he had Otonashi boost his abilities as well before coming here. But no matter how many of these clones he fights, there never seemed to be an end to them, not to mention the first Tatsumi Kenji that he saw wasn't participating in the fight. What was going on? Tenryuu could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. He was missing out on some piece of the puzzle. But what was it?
"If you have time to think, then you should be able to handle something a little more difficult?"
The clones all stopped in their attacks and they drew out a weapon each. Swords, daggers, spears, halberds, maces, chain balls, hammer, axes. All sorts of close range weaponry and now charged once more at Shuusuke.
"Oh boy."
Shuusuke really didn't have time for this. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small square device that resembled a detonating switch box used in demolitions. He did not hesitate to open the cover and flip the switch.
[Tenryuu Shuusuke initiated 'Meltdown']
[Core overload]
[Self detonation imminent]
[5]
[4]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[0]
[Have a nice day]
A large explosion erupted, blowing away all of the clones and incinerating them to ashes. Only Tenryuu Shuusuke stood there, in the centre of the entire explosion, seemingly unscathed.
[Thank you for using 'Meltdown'. We hope your experience was a pleasant one. We hope to see you again.]
"... Like hell I'm using it again."
Shuusuke muttered, tossing the dangerous box over his shoulder. All of its circuits were fried so it was pointless to even think of using it anyway. Looking around him and seeing nothing but ashes on the ground made him slightly puzzled.
"... That's it? I won?"
He wondered, scratching his head. It shouldn't be this easy and he knew it. After all, the cloning skill wasn't anything impressive in the Division Leader's arsenal It was something like a basic skill. The skill would allow the user to clone himself but Shuusuke did not know that the skill could be used to clone multiple times. Judging by the battle, each clone would be a rank lower than the one being cloned from. If each of these were the same level as a Squad leader, then...
"... They were cloned from one another."
Shuusuke muttered. But even if they were so, how would it be possible if there were so many of them around the same rank and if they could only be cloned once each, that would not explain the numbers. So Tatsumi Kenji really could clone himself multiple times. But something was still amiss. What was it?
"I see you've done well enough."
He turned around when a new voice spoke up. Walking slowly over the ashes, Testarossa Iris crossed her arms in a slightly annoyed manner.
"Vice commander... what are you doing here?"
Shuusuke asked.
"To make sure that you weren't slacking off."
Iris replied sharply. She eyed the ashes around her, sighing.
"Well, for now it's over. Come on, the rest are waiting."
Iris said, turning and heading towards the exit. But Shuusuke didn't follow.
"Hm? Hey, what are you waiting for? I said let's go."
Iris said but Shuusuke still did not move from his spot.
"Oi! What do you think you're doing? Ignoring your vice-commander's orders? !"
Iris flared up at him but Shuusuke merely stayed silent. He reached for his side and drew a pistol, pointing it straight at Iris.
"W-what are you doing? ! Put that weapon down this instant!"
"... Strange... I don't seem to recall the vice commander being so fiery."
Shuusuke finally said.
"Wha-"
"I had always wondered why the vice commander was so weird, acting like the ice queen from the ice age infront of others but going all fiery mad-lovey-dovey for Takamachi Yukari from the 6th Division. She also seems to lose her nerve quite often around me. However that makes it interesting for me... and also predictable."
Shuusuke smirked.
"Now the question for today is... who are you?"
Iris stared at Shuusuke in shock, but soon her face slipped into a smile.
"... I see that you're not as dumb as you look."
'Iris' said, crossing her arms.
"I guess I do not know my own vice-commander as well as I should have. Tell me, what was the main thing that gave it away?"
"... The vice commander's chest isn't that big."
Shuusuke pointed at 'Iris's' chest. Upon hearing that, 'Iris' laughed.
"Ha ha ha! That is rich! I guess I should have studied 'another' part of her before anything else! Well, since you managed to guess correctly, I guess I can tell you 'who' 'I' 'am'."
'Iris' smiled, raising her hand to her face, before pulling her 'face' away like a mask. The moment the face was pulled, the body seemed to shimmer into another body. A body of a man. Behind the mask was none other than Tatsumi Kenji. The first one that Shuusuke saw when the SSS2 walked into this hall.
"... Tenryuu Shuusuke... I should have known not to underestimate you."
The intelligence division leader said, his voice and personality a vast difference from when he was 'disguised' as Iris. The face now turned into a plain expressionless mask, split into a black half and a white half. The eye on the white half had a dark ring shaped like a tear drop under the eye.
"The mask of Loki."
Shuusuke muttered, realizing what the mask was. He had never actually seen it being used but he knew of its existence from Musashi. All of its abilities were kept a secret but one thing that Shuusuke knew about it was that it held within it a mysterious ability that had made the intelligence division virtually untouchable by any enemy they faced. So that ability was transforming the wearer into whoever they wanted to be. A frightening ability for sure, but still...
"Do you really like transforming into girls?"
Shuusuke asked, but Tatsumi Kenji did not answer, standing there silently as always.
"... You know, you could at least answer. With you not talking at all is making it really difficult for the writer to continue writing. Don't you realize that more than half of the entire chapters are all dialogues? If you don't talk, then I have to talk for your portion as well! Which is rather tiring, by the way so I would like to stop now but I know I can't stop talking because of how the story plot goes and really... My mouth is getting dry so would you PLEASE say something so that the writer can stop making me say so much? Seriously, my jaw is starting to break and fall apart into a million pieces if you don't start anything soon. No? Nothing? You have no heart, do you? Letting me suffer like this while you simply stand there acting all silent and cool like some cowboy or a dark lord of doom or something. Okay, this is really grating my nerves. Can I stop talking now?"
Actually, you can.
"Thank you... YOU MADE ME TALK AGAIN!"
And I thank you for working so hard.
"... Talking... is pointless."
Tatsumi Kenji finally said, reaching into his pocket and pulled out a-
"... Cell phone?"
Shuusuke wondered but then realized that that cell phone was the very thing that he needed to stop. But it was too late.
"... Mimir sees all."
Kenji pressed it.
[Program: Initialized]
[Corruption level: 1000%]
[Engaging DEMON protocol]
"I am the ugliest of all Sins.
I am the green beast that sleeps deep within your heart.
I am the reflections of an unwanted state.
I am the eye that looks at all others,
Yet not at my own.
I count the number,
Not the value.
I am the cause in which Nations go to war,
To conquer that which they do not have,
That which they must have,
That which they will kill to have.
I am the root of greed,
The end of lust.
I am he who sits in the darkness,
The lonely King who sits at the bottom of the well.
I am he who bears unhappiness for myself,
And sow unhappiness to others.
I hold spite for all,
Contempt for my fellow man.
I bring forth competition,
The difference that divides the men who stand united.
I am the brother that committed the first murder.
Spite is my calling,
Jealousy is my creed.
I am Leviathan,
I am Invidia,
I am Envy."
[Leviathan; Activate]
[Boss Fight]
[Incarnation of Envy: Leviathan]
[Tatsumi Kenji]
[Mark Of Cain; Activated]
[Mantle Of Cain equipped]
[Level: 320
HP: 8000000000
MP: 6000000000
Strength: A
Agility: A
Endurance: S
Luck: B]
[Weapons List:
- Mimir (Rank SSS)
- Mask of Loki (Rank S)
- Dagger of resentment (Rank S)]
The Mantle of Cain. It was an armour that looked no different from a tailed coat. In fact, it looked just like a formal dress that one would wear to a fancy party. If that party was several centuries ago. A collared shirt with a vest over, then the coat. Pants with normal dress shoes to finish off the outfit. Unlike the previous division leaders, this one did not look very outlandish nor did it stand out in any manner of fashion. The only things that did stand out were the two belts that dangled freely on the left side, as though he only looped them through the right side of his pants, and the large coiled metallic snake that went from his shoulder down to his hand.
What is that thing? It looked very much like some ancient Aztec gold that was cursed by someone really long time ago and would spread its curse if anyone touches it. Or something along those lines. The main issues were the three weapons of Tatsumi Kenji. The Mask of Loki which Tatsumi Kenji was holding in his right hand. The SSS weapon, Mimir, the cell phone that Kenji held in his left hand. Finally the Dagger of Resentment, which was still in its holder on one of the belts dangling around Kenji's waist. The switch blade dagger itself was an enigma to Shuusuke. He knew it existed and knew it wasn't the SSS weapon but he knew better than to underestimate it.
The SSS weapon was the real problem but he should not keep too much focus on it. Unlike the previous division leaders, Tatsumi Kenji has no known real combat style. He is able to bring out a draw with the 6th division leader, Kurogane Kou, in a practise dual. That in itself is an impossible task despite the fact that it was only a practise dual that Kou wasn't really putting all into it. If Shuusuke could survive whatever Kenji would throw at him, he would be able to determine how best to defeat Kenji. But defeating Kenji was not as simple as that. Not only must he defeat Kenji, but he must make the intelligence division leader pass on. These two requirements were not as easy as you would make it out to be.
Some of the previous leaders would be satisfied that they were defeated, therefore making it easy to get them to pass on. However the others, Tatsumi Kenji, Taeno Yuki, and Kurogane Kou in particular, were not that simple. For these three, simply defeating them would make it harder for them to pass on, after all it was the fact that they lost, that they were inferior to someone else or something, that they were rendered powerless to stop what they could not stop, that led them here. Maybe he should have left this fight to Iris instead, but he knew that he really did stand a better chance than her against Kenji. Well... better at least.
"You people certainly do like your internal monologues."
Kenji spoke up, breaking Shuusuke's thoughts.
"Ah, well, it is certainly useful for us to think through how to fight you division leaders, plus it also allows the reader to understand a few things. Don't you know that it is important to let the readers know what is going on? With too many things happening all at once, especially since the writer loves to write this story all over the place, it is necessary for a long part of our fight to explain what is going on. It is like explaining the intricate details of a painting done by a mad man who suffers from schizophrenia."
"..."
That was some large breaking of walls there.
"But it doesn't matter to you, does it?"
Shuusuke asked with a slight smile. Kenji stayed silent, before raising up the mask to his face.
"... We shall see."
Kenji said before putting on the mask. Almost immediately his body went through its transformation and standing before Shuusuke was-
"... Really? Fujibayashi Kyou is your answer?"
Shuusuke asked sceptically 'Kyou' brushed her hair from her shoulder as 'she' eyed Shuusuke.
"My answer is not what is used to address your problem. It is what is needed to get rid of mine."
'Kyou' said before rushing at Shuusuke, throwing a punch. Shuusuke dodged the blow and 'Kyou' crashed into the ground, causing a giant crater.
"... Woah. Remind me not to piss off the real one."
Shuusuke muttered before dodging more punches and kicks by this fake 'Kyou'.
"Tired already, Tenryuu? I was just getting started."
'Kyou' laughed, throwing a whole combo of punches and kicks. Shuusuke had no time to dodge constantly, and some blows did connect. However even though this was a fake 'Kyou', 'her' abilities seemed somewhat similar to the real one. Although the real Fujibayashi Kyou was strong in hand-to-hand combat, it was as a commander where she excelled. Not to mention that her main weapon were books. In other words, this 'Kyou' may seem strong in fighting but in the end, this copy was still weaker than the original. 'Kyou' seemed to notice and jumped back, stopping 'her' attacks.
"I knew that Fujibayashi Kyou was strong... but I guess that strength is meaningless unless you bring out their best cards to the table."
'Kyou' said, shrugging 'her' shoulders.
"This mask allows me to essentially 'become' another person, inheriting their strengths, weakness and such. But unfortunately it doesn't allow me to 'copy' their weapons."
'Kyou' sighed, looking at 'her' hand.
"And you're telling me these things because...?"
Shuusuke wondered. 'Kyou' looked at him before laughing.
"I did say that I would copy their weaknesses, right? Fujibayashi Kyou is rather weak in mind and spirit but she hides that behind a façade of strength. You see, Fujibayashi Kyou is a person who must find a reason for her actions. She tries to reason and convince herself that the choices she made were correct. Most important of all... she believes in punishing herself. At least this is the Fujibayashi Kyou that 'I' knew. It seems that her fight with Ein served as some shock therapy for her. Good for her, I suppose."
'Kyou' smirked before bringing 'her' hand to 'her' face'.
"But that's not what I need."
'Kyou' said before 'she' waved 'her' hand in front of 'her' face and immediately, 'she' changed. No longer was it 'Fujibayashi Kyou' who stood before Shuusuke but now it was-
"Sakagami Tomoyo... oh crap."
Oh crap indeed. Flexing 'her' arm, 'Tomoyo' looked to Shuusuke.
"It is common ideology that if your weapon fails to do any damage, it is then best to find another weapon to inflict the damage needed."
'Tomoyo' lunged forward, throwing a punch straight at Shuusuke. Shuusuke managed to dodge but the resulting punch created a large crater.
'Tomoyo' got up and looked at the crater.
"As expected of the 'Bear of the Assault Division', her attacks are on a different level."
"You've been using the female members of the SSS2. Are you really a closet tranny?"
Shuusuke asked. 'Tomoyo' looked at him with a rather stoic face.
"I do believe that you know better than most that the SSS2 is filled with extremely powerful women. I do not have any qualms with who is stronger, and I will become whoever that stronger person may be in order to reach my goals."
'Tomoyo' charged straight at Shuusuke. For the leader of the analyser squad, it was easy to dodge. It was his speciality to know how each member of the SSS2 fought, how they reacted. But the prospect of fighting every single powerful fighter in the SSS2 was not a very good one. In fact, it was a rather horrifying thought.
"... That is an interesting idea."
'Tomoyo' suddenly said, before waving a hand before 'her' face and once again the mask was changed. This time to Hasegawa Iori, the leader of the Wolves.
"Well well, so how do you like fighting a guy this time, Tenryuu?"
'Iori' asked with a slight smile.
"Not in the least happy. Can't you just stop transforming for once and just fight me normally? It's hurting my brain."
Shuusuke admitted but 'Iori' simply laughed at that.
"Ha ha ha! Well, too bad for you then, because I don't really like going according to what you like."
'Iori' said before drawing out a sword. The real Hasegawa Iori did use a sword, but he was also proficient in guns and spears. This 'Iori' did not use the same sword as the real one as Kenji did admit it himself that the mask is unable to recreate any weapon that the person being copied might use. Therefore these weapons were in fact ordinary weapons that Kenji had prepared beforehand. However the skills and abilities of each person being copied would be near identical.
"But lucky for you, I am unable to copy anyone who is on a division leader level or higher."
Shuusuke really doubted that counted as 'lucky'. Among the different Squad leaders, there were several who were on a different level from the rest not counting the Guardians as the ghosts of the 6th Division were considered beyond the Squad leaders and nearly on the same level as Division leaders. No, Squad Leaders were the ones that made up the true force of the SSS2 and the special few who stood above the rest were key figures who would lead on the ground. These individuals were far stronger than what Squad leaders were meant to be, rather they were actually the closest to being Division leaders if not for the fact that they lacked the certain qualities to make it to that level.
Fujibayashi Kyou of Assault, Testarossa Iris of Intelligence, Senjougahara Shinobu of the Runners, Goudatera Takako of the Builders, Hasegawa Iori of the Wolves, Reiji of Edge, and Ryuusei Suou of the Snipers to name a few. There were others who were not Squad Leaders but their strength were something that one cannot ignore, even for a Division leader. Ryougi Mana from Assault, Sakagami Tomoyo from Assault, Houiin Hideo from Edge, Saori from Guard 1, Mitsuhide Ayane from Assault, Tsugihara Kaoru of the Runners, and Saya of Katsuragi Rei's Rebels are good examples.
Each and every single one of these exceptional individuals had strength to rival the Division leaders yet were clearly under their 'level', therefore Tatsumi Kenji could change into any one of these 'super humans' and use their abilities. This is the closest Shuusuke would ever get to fighting with the entire SSS2 organisation. Shuusuke knew that he would face off against the SSS2 if he joined hands with Otonashi but this was not the way he expected the fight to go.
Certainly he had hoped that such an event would never come to pass but now that it has, he has to make the best of it. But how exactly can one make the best of this situation? Training exercise? A contest of might? This was getting ridiculous and Shuusuke knew it. The last thing he really needed was to fight through the entire SSS2 power freaks roster and tiring himself out before facing against his real opponent, Tatsumi Kenji. In the first place, he would not know whether Kenji would be tired from using all of these transformation techniques. Probably not.
"You are right. I do not get tired from using this technique, nor do I use my own energy to use the technique of others while I am impersonating them."
'Iori' explained.
"... That is really... bad."
Shuusuke muttered in reply, but that was when he realized something else.
"... You've been reading my thoughts."
Shuusuke realized.
"It might be common before as a form of exposition and gag, but for you... you're really reading my thoughts."
At this, 'Iori' dropped his smile. Raising 'his' hand to his face and taking off the mask, Tatsumi Kenji narrowed his eyes at Shuusuke.
"... So you realized it."
"It was hard to since you were deliberately trying to avoid showing that you could read my thoughts and actions but it doesn't take an idiot a whole century to figure that out. I'm guessing that this ability... is the true ability of your SSS weapon, Mimir."
Mimir, in accordance to Norse legend, was a person of great wisdom, one who could see into the future and tell the outcomes of battles, something only the Norn who were in charge of the fates were capable of doing. Mimir had a well that was said that any who drank from it would obtain immense knowledge and wisdom. Odin, the Nordic God and all-father of the Norse Gods, sought the well. In return for drinking from the well, Mimir called for the price of one of Odin's eye.
To Odin, it was a cheap cost and he gave it to Mimir and drank from the well. Upon drinking from the well, Odin gained immense knowledge as well as seeing into the future that would be Ragnarok, the end of the World. Odin, having a taste of that immense knowledge, wanted more. He wanted to have more knowledge than ever, wanting to be the one who stood above all and he knew that no matter what, he would never be better than Mimir. He had also realized that if anyone else had access to the well, they would prove a threat to him and could possibly bring about Ragnarok. The result of these problems was Odin cutting off the head of Mimir. No one could access the well without Mimir and using magic, the head of Mimir would constantly speak wisdom and knowledge to Odin alone. However the killing of Mimir did not stop Ragnarok but served as one of the many catalyst that ignited it.
Tatsumi Kenji put aside his mask as he drew out his cell phone. The SSS weapon called Mimir.
"... Much like the name Mimir, it displays information on everything. It shows me past, present and future. The memories and the thoughts of all."
He explained, toying with his cell phone.
"Is there a point in explaining your weapons working to me?"
Shuusuke asked, in which Kenji narrowed his eyes at him.
"... No, there isn't."
Kenji merely answered. But it didn't seem like that was the case. There was a reason for why Kenji told Shuusuke the workings of his weapon. A reason. But for what real reason was there?
"If you can read my thoughts, then what is the point of me talking?"
"... Because I hate talking."
"And yet you're fine with answering questions? Your logic is quite flawed."
"... Answering questions is the basic rule of ethics."
Kenji answered. Shuusuke scratched his head at that answer.
"Is that really the point?"
"No, it isn't."
The two stayed silent as they stared at one another. Neither moved nor showed any sign of movement. To Shuusuke, this battle was near impossible to win. His opponent, Tatsumi Kenji, could read his thoughts, his movements, his plans. There was no way he could make an attack without Kenji knowing of it. But he had to do something. He reached for his side arm but-
"I wouldn't try that if I were you."
Kenji suddenly appeared behind Shuusuke and using his dagger, stabbed Shuusuke in his arm.
"! ! !"
Kenji drew the dagger out of Shuusuke and jumped back before Shuusuke could retaliate. The wound in Shuusuke's arm caused him a large amount of pain but it wasn't only that. There seemed to be some sort of flaming pain that went throughout his arm from the area around the wound. Shuusuke rolled up his sleeve and looked in horror as green lines started to etch themselves on his skin, snaking all over his arm from the wound. Poison? He looked up and saw Kenji, his switch blade dagger in hand dripping with the blood of Shuusuke.
"That... blade..."
Shuusuke muttered, feeling the pain in his arm flaring up.
"The blade of resentment..."
Kenji muttered, looking at the blade.
"It severs anything related to the host. You can not touch or use anything the blade comes into contact with."
Kenji said, looking back to Shuusuke.
"So... it's more like 'if I can't have it, neither can you' sort of situation? Really, that's not very mature."
Shuusuke muttered, gripping tightly onto his arm in an effort to numb the pain. But the pain would not subside. If it would not subside, then it could possibly spell disaster for him. The poison itself seemed to be spreading, though slowly. Still, he must not simply neglect to do something at this point, but what? Tear off his arm? He may not die but he would be put in an immediate disadvantage. Healing and revivals were slowed within this giant tower of concentrated black essence. The last thing he needed was to be injured, but he already has been. He looked up and saw Kenji, who was simply looking at his phone. The phone was telling the Division leader what he was thinking. But shouldn't it normally be transmitted directly into his mind? Like all super weapons of level bosses.
"... You already know the answer."
Kenji answered uncaringly. Yes, Shuusuke knew the answer. Kenji could receive information from his SSS weapon without looking at it, but receiving information directly into the brain and seeing the information physically are two different things. People are not born with the ability to receive information directly from an outside source into the brain. As such the brain would be unable to cope with the stress of trying to differentiate information correctly. Seeing the information directly on his SSS weapon, Kenji is able to get his mind to sort out the differences between information that are within his head.
Sight is the strongest sense of the human body and thus the brain would focus better if there is something to see. This wasn't a handicap for Kenji, however, as he does not need to see the phone directly to know but rather seeing the information once in a while is a preventive method to allow his mind to rest and not be overloaded with too much garbage information. Well... it wouldn't be a handicap if Kenji was fighting someone 'normal'. Tenryuu Shuusuke merely smiled.
"Well then... shall we get started, partner?"
Tatsumi Kenji had always known Tenryuu Shuusuke to be a threat. The question being how much of a threat was he? Tenryuu Shuusuke didn't act out of the ordinary when he first came to this World and joined the SSS2. In fact, he was quite the opposite character. Quiet and withdrawn, the Tenryuu Shuusuke in the past barely spoke a word, avoided contact as much as possible and didn't seem to stand out. In such a sense, Kenji took him in. Shuusuke was a hard and diligent worker as well as being able to think unlike many others. His character didn't change until a few months after he had joined the intelligence division, showing more erratic behaviour, starting to act cocky, speaking loudly, being sarcastic to others. Perhaps this was his true character and before he was simply shy? No, this change was too great of a deviation.
The largest change of all occurred during the Battle of Big Site. Kenji had initiated Operation: Watchdog and sent his division throughout the entire school, using the absence of the Student council committee, the disciplinary committee and anyone who could stop them, to do a school wide hacking of information. Though due to the absence of his intelligence division, the casualty rate in the battle below ground raised to an alarming number. Yuki was right in that his own defiance to her, to the organisation, led to the severe number of people disappearing from this World. He would accept that fact but in return he discovered something even greater. The 'Angel Program'.
It was discovered by Tenryuu Shuusuke himself and right after that, Shuusuke disappeared from the SSS2. It wasn't until 'that' day, the day when Kurogane Kou fought against the very first and last EX class Angel the SSS2 had ever known, that Tenryuu Shuusuke reappeared. 'That' day was a day for many things. Dubbed as 'EX day' by Yuki, it was a day when the EX class Angel appeared and a massive battle between the Angels and their Shadow allies against the SSS2 took place. EX day was triggered when the Angel Program was overloaded due to experimentations by both the Intelligence division and by Guild. A massive storm of black essence and negative energy swept the school and the EX class Angel was summoned. No one really knew how the EX Angel looked like or what had happened, only that Kurogane Kou of the 6th division fought one on one against the Angel for the entire day before everything went quiet.
Interestingly enough, the EX day was also the day when Katsuragi Rei appeared. On EX day, Tenryuu Shuusuke reappeared. While Yuki wanted to lock him up and interrogate him, the strangest of people stepped forward to vouch for him. Kurogane Kou. She claimed that Tenryuu Shuusuke was working under her temporarily after the Battle of Big Site in order to draw out the EX Angel. No one really knows why she said that but no one was able to dispute her claim, thus Shuusuke was let off the hook. Kenji, however, still did not trust Shuusuke. No one really did. He had disappeared for five years, resurfacing only on the EX day itself.
It wasn't that Kenji did not trust Kou. He respected her greatly. Her power, emotionless and ability to think despite the situation made her into an ultimate weapon. But even if he did take her word about Shuusuke to be true, he still could not understand it. Thus, in order to better keep him under watch, Kenji promoted Shuusuke to be leader of the Analysers under the guise of 'special services rendered'. Squad leaders were required to report to Kenji directly at regular intervals and Shuusuke did not fail in that. However most of his reports were weird or pointless. They had no meaning... on the surface at least.
It soon became apparent that Shuusuke was using these pointless reports and was searching for something or someone. Small bits of a larger puzzle. It all came too late for Kenji to stop Shuusuke before D-day occurred. Maybe what Shuusuke was doing led up to D-day, or it could be that whatever the Division leaders were doing to stop him added to the speeding up of the occurrence of D-day. It all doesn't matter now. D-day did occur and everything was lost. Each and every division leader was drawn to this tower, drawn to it by their SINs.
And as such the battle had to take place. The Division leaders themselves were consumed by SIN and further spurred on by their own will to live and reject anything, they became the enemy of the group their had led, they became the enemy to all. But despite knowing this, there was one person that Kenji did not forgive. One person that he swore he would defeat. Tenryuu Shuusuke. Kenji did not understand it himself. He knew that he was suspicious of Shuusuke and he had every right to be but why did he not want to forgive him? What was there to hate? Kenji was never one to show his emotions. Unlike Yuki who charges forward blindly, he chose to have a more calculated approach.
But due to his constant silence, Kenji never really knew how to manage his emotions properly. They overflowed and often clouded his judgement. Without anyone he could talk to, the emotions simply became more muddled, violent, and misplaced. All of these led up to what he is now. And so he came to hate Tenryuu Shuusuke. Despise his existence. This battle would be a way for him to show just what he meant.
"..."
He looked down at his SSS weapon, Mimir. The cellphone was a piece of history that he would rather forget, but he guessed that even in death, there was no escape from the past. The phone beeped as it received information.
'Shift left, step right, attack from rear'
These were the thoughts of Shuusuke. As such, there was no way that Shuusuke could defeat him. Not when Kenji held onto this weapon. He prepared to attack left but-
"... What?"
The attack never came, at least not from the left. Shuusuke suddenly charged from the right, bringing his knife up to quickly strike and taken down Kenji if not for Kenji's quick reflexes and he dodged out of the way.
"The reading... was wrong?"
Kenji could not believe it. His SSS weapon predicted wrongly?
"Oya? What's the matter, leader? Having a little problem?"
Shuusuke smiled mischievously
"..."
Kenji did not want to believe that he could be wrong.
"If you're not going to do anything, I'll take on the offensive!"
Shuusuke charged at Kenji. Kenji looked to his cell phone and on the screen came the message:
'Feint, double back, charge from left'
But once again Shuusuke did not follow what the message had said as he did not use a feint at all, rather just charging straight at Kenji until Kenji was forced to retreat. Kenji could not understand. What was going on? Why were the predictions of Mimir wrong? Wrong? No, Mimir is never wrong. There was only one answer that Kenji could think of.
"... Who are you?"
Shuusuke smiled, crossing his arms.
"Who knows? And I asked you that before."
"... Answer me. No one should be able to get past Mimir's mind reading skills. No one can move their body without their mind controlling it."
"Except for zombies, and that is somehow what we all are."
"Don't joke around. What is it that you are hiding? Who are you?"
"I am Tenryuu Shuusuke-"
"I am not asking you."
Kenji raised his hand and pointed at Shuusuke, in particular, his head.
"I'm asking... 'you'."
"..."
Shuusuke stared blankly back at Kenji for that moment, before smiling. Using one hand, he took off his black coat and flipped it inside-out, revealing that the inside was exactly the same, only white. Tenryuu Shuusuke put on the reversed coat and turned back to Kenji, no longer smiling. In fact, Shuusuke seemed like a whole different person now. Though his looks and his height were unchanged, there was something about his entire demeanour that was different.
"... It has been awhile... Leader."
Tenryuu Shuusuke's words were heavy, dark and serious. Kenji knew now what was happening, the reasons behind Tenryuu's weird behaviour, and the reason why Mimir could not work on him.
"... You have dual personalities."
Tenryuu Shuusuke was a young man who took things seriously. He was quiet and calculative. He never had a reason to say any more than he should, nor did he ever think there should be a reason in the first place. It was his way. He had always taken a back seat, to observe, to understand. But what he found only made him doubt everything. He closed himself off to the World and everything in it. He became uncertain and distrusting. But... it was cold and dark. A place where he could not trust anyone but himself, where he could not rely on anyone but himself, where lives do not matter but save for himself...
"So why not make another self?"
It all started from that one tiny voice within his head. A small spark that would cause an irreversible reaction. To more he thought about it, the more it grew. The more he tried to push that thought away, the more prevalent it became. Like a virus it simply grew and soon it took form and became... 'Tenryuu Shuusuke'.
"You are an interesting guy... Why don't you work with me for a little while?"
That was the first thing Otonashi said to him when they met for the first time. An 'interesting guy'? Maybe that was what his other self was. An 'interesting guy', someone who was him, but was not like him. Someone who could be free of the dark thoughts that clouded his mind for so long. To be someone that he wanted to be but could not. He became so detached from everything that he was no longer able to think normally, and so 'Tenryuu Shuusuke' took over that role.
"To be what you could not be. To protect what you hold dear yet are unable to do so. That is what I am. You are the shield, stoic and steady. I am the sword, the wild and unyielding."
The 'Sword' and the 'Shield'. No longer one single entity but now two halves.
"If one is unhappy with his current situation, he simply needs to change it. However if you are unable to do it on your own, then you simply need to 'make' yourself able to change it."
"... And that... is what happened."
Tenryuu Shuusuke said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of gum to chew on.
"So you are the original."
Kenji muttered, ignoring the messages on Mimir that read: 'I hate gum! Get that nasty stuff out of your mouth!'
"... Original... huh? ... You might say so."
Shuusuke continued to chew the gum despite the cries from within his head.
"It is hard for people to believe such things being possible... We're all in the Afterlife, so how can your Soul have a split in personalities yet still retain itself?"
"Things... are best left unknown."
'More like you're too lazy to explain.'
Shuusuke reached into his pocket and pulled out another piece of gum before popping it into his mouth without taking out the first piece.
'GAHHH! TAKE THAT OUT! You're doing this to spite me, aren't you?! I know you hate gum as well!'
Shuusuke merely ignored those thoughts as he continued to chew on the gum in his mouth.
"... Hmph... like this you have rendered Mimir useless... As I thought, you were too dangerous to keep around."
Kenji said, throwing aside his cell phone.
"... It was only through Kurogane-san that I could avoid being investigated by you... And is it a good idea to throw away your SSS weapon like that?"
"A weapon that has lost its edge in battle is no longer a viable weapon."
"... Those words... are exactly like Taeno-san."
Kenji raised an eyebrow at that before smiling. Tatsume Kenji was smiling?
"I guess... As much as I try to deny her, as much as I detest her ways... I have come to understand that what she does is correct. I have tried to avoid following her methods and strove to ensure that the Intelligence division will be strong... But in some way or another I have come to respect her... and envy her."
Envy. The green eyed monster. The snake of jealousy. The dark seed of despair. The road of the first murderer. It is often said to be the ugliest of all sins as it reveals the darkest parts of humanity. It shows us what despicable creatures humans can be and just how desperate people will get to achieve what they want. No one is free from it and no one is able to escape from it. The darkest point of the mind, of the heart and of the soul. It is a Sin that is not learned, nor is it a Sin that is foreign to humans but it is an inherent trait of all humans.
The Sin that can be traced to all others, the serpent with venomous fangs would encircle and consume all, driving all mad with its words dipped in hatred. But such a Sin is not without its weakness, albeit one that is hard to obtain. Envy is a Sin that would cloud the minds of people, make them forget what they are, what they have and why did they yearn so much for it. It drives stoic men wild with rage and make people do things that they would never do if they were in their right minds. The answer to this is to correct your own mind.
"It is impossible the change yourself when you have lost it all to jealousy. It is all you can think about, it is all that you can act upon."
Kenji said, taking out his knife.
"But you can still act against it if you realise the root cause of it."
"It is too late."
"It is never too late... As long as you have the will to change... you can."
"... You're starting to sound like Yuki as well."
"... You could say... her thinking... has its merits."
Kenji closed his eyes, smiling like he did before.
"I guess... I have lost this time."
The Intelligence division leader said pocketing his knife. Shuusuke did not seem all that convinced, however, and kept his weapon drawn.
"Don't you have any pride? ... As a division leader?"
Shuusuke asked. Kenji turned around and looked upwards.
"Pride... is not my job. I am the eyes of the SSS2. I gather information and based off my own considerations... I will exercise the best course of action to take. Tenryuu Shuusuke. I will put everything I have into my last attack... Do you believe you can avoid it?"
Kenji asked, turning around to face Shuusuke once more. Shuusuke closed his eyes. Could he really face Kenji?
'There's no need to worry about anything. Or what, are you scared? We can always switch if you want.'
"Shut it."
'Sheesh, no need to get so uptight over nothing. I swear you have high blood pressure.'
"... We will take it on."
'Right.'
Shuusuke pulled out his pistol and the box of bullets that Katsuragi Rei handed to him, taking one bullet and loading it straight into the chamber of the pistol.
"I only need one shot."
Shuusuke brought his pistol up to aim. Kenji smiled and nodded.
"... I see. So you have chosen to take it on. Good."
Kenji raised his left hand and the eyes of the metallic snake that was coiled around his arm started to glow. Without warning, the snake suddenly came life, shooting out straight for Shuusuke. Its speed was so fast that it closed the distance between the two of them within an instant. Shuusuke could not dodge in time and brought up his arm to take the brunt of the attack. The metal snake sank its fangs into his arm, causing pain unlike any Shuusuke had faced before. It was like a thousand people screaming in his head at the same time, his veins boiled like it was on fire, his heart stabbed and frozen at the same time. The pain was immense and Shuusuke could not focus. His vision, his hearing, everything was gone.
'You are an idiot as usual. I'll be taking over some of it!'
At that moment, Shuusuke managed to get control over the pain. He was able to focus once more and he saw that Kenji was not standing there any more.
'Behind you!'
Without missing a beat, Shuusuke ducked down as Kenji swung his blade from behind while twisting his body, shoving his pistol behind him through his coat by his waist and fired. The shot went through Shuusuke's coat and his Kenji right in the stomach. For that moment, all was silent, no one moved nor said a word. But soon Kenji smiled.
"So... this is what it is like... to work with others."
Kenji said as his body started to disappear.
"... He is a reckless idiot."
Shuusuke muttered in reply.
"But... he is a reckless idiot who sticks with me no matter what."
Kenji nodded in agreement.
"And that is what is important... to understand one another... no matter the differences between the two... together, you can face anything... I wished... I had someone... like you."
[Access: Insanity Streak]
[Corruption absorption in progress]
[...]
[...]
[...]
[Purge complete]
Shuusuke got back up to his feet and kept his pistol.
"... We all wish for something that we do not have."
'The grass is always greener on the other side.'
"... But we must learn that it is not always... what we thought it would be. We should learn to be satisfied with what we have... or it will never end."
'... What are you now? Buddha?"
"... Where is my gum?"
'NO! PLEASE NO MORE!'