Fubuki bit her lip so as to prevent herself from speaking.

He's an idiot! A fool! An utter moron! She shouted within the privacy of her mind, while be her side, Lily's mouth opened and closed as if the girl couldn't believe what she'd just heard.

And she couldn't blame her.

For Fubuki felt the same.

But what smarted even worse? Was that Yuha's…plan, seemed indeed to be their best shot. What with their current circumstances and all.

So, with a huff, she offered a nod to the man, who looked as if he was about to collapse any moment.

"Fine!"

"Then—"

"Yes, go do your thing," she said, waving an arm in a shooing motion.

"Thanks Miss Blizzard," the man said with a tired grin, and then roared as a wrathful scarlet aura blazed to life around him, and Yuha's body bulged up to obscene proportions yet again.

Even as the capillaries around his pupils burst, painting the whole sclera red and veins quivered all over his arms and body.

"Eek!"

Unlike her subordinate, Fubuki was made of sterner stuff. So she didn't squirm at the sight.

Ewww! Inside her mind, though, was another matter.

Still.

Watching Yuha perform an explosive jump, causing spiderwebs to spread across the already ruined tarmac followed by the man completing his arc and landing on the rooftop of a nearby apartment building, she couldn't help but wonder.

How did he know I could do that? A frown spread across her face for an instant. It would seem that I'm not the only one keeping tabs on people of interest. Cause that? I'm not that well known for said skill.

Questions for another time.

She sighed. Time to do her part. Her mind stretched across space, reaching, grasping, and then.

"Metal Bat, sir!"

"Gkh! Blizzard? What is it?"

She licked her lips.

"Well, sir, me and Yuha have an idea." Cause in the off chance they survived this and the Idiot's plan worked? Why not have the Idiot share credit with his boss to be, even if he didn't know it yet?

"Eh? The rookie? Well, might as well at least hear it. Do share."

She nodded at the implied order and did just that.

'9'

He snorted at the computer's reading.

Being so near death…it almost felt…freeing.

In this, here and now, he didn't have to worry about what may come, about all the monsters he'd have to face, the atrocities he'd no doubt commit across the cosmos or anything of the sort.

No.

As the battle dragged on in the plaza between the roads and the Association's building, and as Metal Bat and the Subterranean King traded blows that could squash him like a bug?

A smile of exhilaration wound forming on Yuha's face.

He ignored the screaming protests of his limbs and body and, with his all but certain death at hand. His mind emptied of worries, setting his will on simply enjoying what was to come.

Still…

'9…10…9…error'

His new instincts, at the sight of the glorious combat going down below, all but ached in their desire to join in. And more importantly, on the desire to continue fighting and testing himself against strong opponents.

Heh, seems all those months spent in the company of combat junkies affected me after all.

"Argh!"

With a thunderous blow of one of his blades and a triumphant roar, the King batted away Metal Bat, sending the youth skidding back towards Fubuki, before the creature raised his swords to the sky and let out a triumphant roar.

This was his chance!

He took a deep breath and with an arm raised, pointed his finger at the creature who started turning towards the Association building.

"You fool!" Yuha crowed at the top of his lungs, voice bellowing. "Do you think you've won? Mwahaha!" he gave an exaggerated laugh. "I got you right where I wanted you!" he said and the gigantic creature turned, and judging by the scoff and what could probably pass for a raised eyebrow, it was probably unimpressed. "If you think you are so tough…then try the champ's attack on for size! Mwahaha!"

"What are you playing at, fool? You're half dead already," The king said with a scoff and Yuha's grin widened.

"Oho! So you admit you're scared! As expected, go on then! Scurry on back underground with your tail between your legs!"

The creature bristled, and finally, at last, stood firm, spreading its arms to the side. A fell glow beginning to emanate from all four of its blades.

"Fine," he spat. "Do your best to die with dignity and not disappoint me."

"That's more like it!" Yuha shouted back, tone arrogant and grin in place as his arms shot forward, forming a cup which he then placed by his side.

Still, even if this is my limit, even if this is how far I go…I want to push beyond!

'9-10-9, 10-11-12, 10-11-12… Error! Error!'

He let go, fully activating Roshi's technique alongside pushing Kaio-ken to stage 11, his muscles and body ballooning to monstrous proportion even as his entire world turned white, and even as he knew nothing but pain, he knew where his opponent was, he could feel him and so, he poured everything in the swelling ball of energy cupped between his palms.

'Thump! Thump!'

Fubuki, brow furrowed in concentration and even with her left arm on Metal Bat's shoulder, was still able to spare enough of her attention to gaze at the distant figure atop the nearby building, distracting the creature and buying them precious time.

Granted, with the sudden monstrous output of power radiating from the man, coupled with his agonized scream? It was kinda hard not to look at him.

"###A Kamehamehaaaaa!"

And as Yuha fired off his attack, the world seemed to hitch for an instant so brief it could've almost been imagined.

"Destroyer slash!"

The Subterranean King was quick to respond.

Resulting in a colossal clash of energies, which sent winds buffeting everywhere and caused Fubuki's hair to dance.

And yet, her mind remained fixated on what she'd just seen.

That hint of green around his aura just now…he's definitely psychic!

The clash seemed to go on forever, and yet, in truth, it could have scarcely lasted more than a few seconds. The multicolored beam off the creature struggling against the spiraling beam with hints of green within, both vying and failing to achieve dominance over one another.

With an explosion that scoured the plaza of dead bodies and carved a deep gorge, the clash ended.

"Hmf! It would seem that some strength backed your words," The King said, standing tall and unharmed, and offering a nod of respect. "Be honored, Hero, go to your death knowing you've stood against me. Few people could say the same."

Yuha, on the other hand…

Fubuki's breath hitched.

For the building the man was standing on, was still standing and unharmed, yes. Unlike the Hero protecting it. For she suspected that the mutated Hero, whose body was all but covered in blood, with more leaking freely from numerous bursts vessels all over his body, was likely only still standing from inertia alone.

He couldn't see, his thoughts were choppy, and he could only hear out of one ear, even if the King's words were intermingled with an ever-present ringing.

In fact, he couldn't feel his body at all.

So, this is what it felt to pull an Eddie Hall and try to lift the metaphysical equivalent of half a tone…when you were not, in fact, Eddie Hall.

"Nonetheless, it saddens me to see a warrior of your caliber and spirit die in such an undignified manner, so, be glad, I'll give you a warrior's death brave Hero."

And yet, even as the King approached him, a fact he could only guess at from the encroaching crunch of the man's massive footsteps.

The silly grin on Yuha's face remained as he stared through his one still open, if unseeing, eye.

"Dammit Blizzard! How longer is this going to take?" Metal Bat growled, turning away from what was about to turn into a massacre and gazing at Tornado's sister, scowl firmly in place as he did his best not to fidget. "The Rookie is about to bite it! Hurry it up!"

The woman would not look him in the eye.

"I'm doing my best, but boosting someone takes time. I'm not my sister," the woman said, tone filled with self-loathing. "I'm sorry." and Metal Bat's scowl deepened even as he felt a pang of sympathy for the girl comparing herself with Tornado.

He opened his mouth, but then—

"Mwahaha! There truly is none who can stand in my way!" The creature's voice boomed. "After all, you were the second strongest after the brat with the stupid hair," Metal Bat twitched. "And after killing you? I'm gonna enjoy taking my time tormenting this world's people." He trembled. "Hmm…I wonder, did the stupid child have a family? A sister, perhaps? I should start there—"

A wordless roar escaped Metal Bat's lips, as he squeezed the bat in his arm hard enough to dent the metal and through pupilless eyes, exploded off the ground like a comet, a radiant aura exploding out of his pores, engulfing his body as he brought bulging muscles to bear and prepared for the swing of a lifetime.

"What did you say about my sister and my hair, you freak?" he roared.

"What are you talking about fool—"

'Clank!'

By her side, Lily trembled.

"M-mistress…"

Fubuki nodded.

"I know, Lily…I know." She sighed. And as the headless…well, more like gone from the chest up, lifeless body of the creature begun tilting, Fubuki pinched her nose and closed her eyes. "I can't believe the Idiot's plan worked…"

Sight returned to his single open eye just in time to watch a livid Metal Bat turn the subterranean into mincemeat. And just in time for—

"Gkh!"

Spots danced in his vision, and a new agony blossomed in his chest.

So, that's what it feels for your heart literally explode, eh?

His body was trying its best to keep Yuha alive. And yet, for all of its chimeric resilience, unlike his template's source, Yuha's abilities and gifts, even if technically the same, were akin to that of a newborn.

So, blows that Frieza and Cell could endure…Yuha could not. Not yet.

And as his paralyzed muscles finally gave out, he tilted forward, unable to do anything but stare at the distant ground below while in the corners of his vision, black lines spread.

He rather suspected he'd never get the chance to do so.

Still, the grin remained.

Heh…it was a good fight—

"Hoo! Careful there," a wizened voice said, and Yuha felt an arm akin to corded steel wrap around his torso, pulling him away from the brink.

As the stranger came into view, Yuha blinked.

"Silver Fang!" he said, and the old man's eyes creased in joy.

…well, that is what Yuha tried to say, but his currently nigh non-working mouth produced a confusing gargle.

Still, the old man seemed to understand him.

"Oho? You know of this old timer? I'll admit it is flattering to know that you youngsters still know about old relics like me, ohoho!" the man laughed and then fixed his gaze on Yuha, a curious glimmer in his eyes. "Still, even if I didn't quite make it in time, I have to say, those were some interesting techniques I caught you using there, son."

Yuha smiled and made to reply.

"Gkah!" only for a veritable river of blood to flow out of his mouth.

"Silver Fang!" Fubuki's voice came from somewhere below, causing the old-timer's gaze to snap towards the woman. "Hurry! Please bring him to me!"

And with the man's other steel like arm wrapping around Yuha's torso, he could do nothing as Bang jumped, carrying them both towards the ground below.

Rushing towards the pair, Fubuki was quick to place her palms on Yuha's blood-soaked chest.

"Gkh!"

A pained wince leaving her lips as she did, her hair floating in the wind and an aura of green radiating from her body.

Her earlier words to Metal Bad hadn't been entirely a lie. The ability she shared with her sister, that of 'Boosting' someone, well, it wasn't something which Fubuki could perform in an instant.

…Not without risk, at least.

After all, it necessitated linking herself to the person in question.

And if she did it wrong, it was entirely too possible for her to leave paths open. Paths through which she could share any potential damage the person she was connecting too was suffering from.

"Miss Blizzard! Are you ok?"

Smiling through the pain, she nodded in the S-ranked martial artist's direction.

Not bothering to wipe her bleeding nose.

"Y-yes, nothing to be worried about!"

She'd been lucky, noticing the wrong connection and ending it quickly, before too much damage could be transferred over.

Still.

A pair of pink eyes blinked in her direction with no small amount of wonder held within them and Fubuki, even as a small migraine started to spread, couldn't help it.

She stood taller and preened.

Yes! Your new boss is pretty awesome, isn't she? Be awed and worship me, Yuha! She thought with a creepy giggle, just about keeping it within her head. And then join my group and together we shall surpass my sister!

And that was the only reason she was taking this gamble.

For she had witnessed the man's curious mix of regeneration and resilience, and so, taking a risk with 'Boosting' his body and power, which were even now fighting to keep him alive? Well worth it for the potential boost he would grant her team.

…A-and it had nothing to do with wanting to repay the man for saving her twice! Or that even if he looked weird, he'd still been so valiant…

The sound of someone landing made her glance to the side.

"So, how's the rookie?" Metal Bat asked, blood-soaked and no longer busy kicking and beating the creature's dead carcass, seemingly having calmed down. "Will he pull through?"

Once again, she met pink eyes.

And slowly nodded.

"He just might. I'm doing my best," she said. "But now? It all depends on his own strength."

Metal Bat laughed.

"Hah! In that case we have nothing to worry about," the man said and patted Yuha on the shoulder with enough strength to make her patient wince and jostle in Bang's grip as the latter was still holding him upright.

"Mmh, do be careful there."

"Oi!" she snapped as blood leaked from Yuha's lips. "Hands off my patient!" she said, and Metal Bat at least had the decency to wince.

"Sorry," he said as he smiled and rubbed his neck. "But it seems I'm no longer needed here, oi, rookie."

Yuha's head slowly turned to focus on the man.

"Once you get better…and the association stops bothering me to file in the paperwork for all this? Hit me up. I might have a proposal for you."

No!

Yuha, after what she'd seen today, was to be her ticket to S-rank. Metal Bat could keep his stingy hands off him!

"-ill…-o" the man gurgled a Heroic gleam in his eye and Metal Bat nodded, before turning to leave.

And Fubuki, now that she knew what to look for, saw the gleam fade, only to be replaced by sheer exhaustion.

Oh, don't get her wrong. To anyone else, and the people and cameras no doubt recording this, he doubtlessly looked stoic and Heroic still.

And yet, in the previous fight, right as Yuha fired off that absurd attack? The strain the man no doubt underwent caused him to turn his full focus upon the fight and for his thoughts to turn serious.

Allowing her easy access to his mind and a glimpse at his true self.

Fubuki, smiled. It was good to know that underneath all this talk of heroism resided a human that could still feel fear and be scared out of his wits, while at the same time continuing to push through said fear.

But speaking of fear…

Her smile slipped and her eyebrow begun twitching again.

That does it! She stepped closer to Yuha.

"Mmh? Miss Blizzard?" Bang asked and Fubuki ignored the old timer even as her cheeks felt warm as she pressed her…upper torso against the part of Yuha's chest she could reach.

"The b-bigger the b-body contact, the easier and further I can boost someone," she explained.

Yuha's breath hitched while inside his mind—

Heh! Got it!

She smirked and her muscles loosened as her mind relaxed, beginning to lose herself in her technique and—

Without a warning, a gigantic green glowing fist slammed into Yuha and Yuha only, causing him to slip free from both Bang's grasp and Fubuki's telekinetic own.

"E-eh?!" Fubuki squeaked and prepared for a fight even as Yuha's body embedded itself in a nearby building's wall.

She scanned her surroundings until she felt a familiar presence and looked up.

She reacted without thinking.

Having arrived too late to be of any help, and only doing so in the first place because of the terror radiating off of Fubuki's mind—Tatsumaki always held a small part of herself in contact with Fubuki, watching her over, even if her sister didn't know it. Even so, Tatsumaki decided to approach nonetheless. But then, she'd noticed a mind she couldn't previously touch, now awake and visible, the once dark lake now glowing white.

A mind that was filled with nothing but—

"Tatsumaki's thighs! Tinny dommy mommy! Tatsumaki's ass! Tatsumaki's breasts! Psychic dommy mommy! Tatsumaki's legs! Tatsumaki's bellybuton! Green-haired dommy mommy! Tatsumaki's armpits!…"

Needless to say, she froze, and thankfully, having not been noticed yet, she hovered in place, her cheeks burning.

Not knowing quite how to react. Even if a not so small part of her loved every second of it.

For it was not every day that someone…appreciated her as a woman. And not because of being part of that group of fetishists at least. And even though the Idiot's mind, being filled as it were with thoughts of nothing but her, Tatsumaki could at least glimpse that much.

No, he liked her for her.

It was…a novel experience.

So, she could be forgiven for choosing to revel and bask in it for a few seconds.

But then.

Fubuki leaned in close to what felt like her #1 fan and—

"Tatsumaki's back…Fubuki's breasts? Tatsu—Fubuki's tummy?"

And her body moved on its own, condensed power in the form of a spectral limb, freeing Yuha from Fubuki's grasp.

"S-sister?" her brat of a sister squeaked as Tatsumaki, a scowl on her face, lowered herself towards Fubuki and Bang. "W-why did you do that?"

She scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Your technique still needs work, Fubuki," she offered as an answer. "You're too slow, and I'm not sure you've stopped all the bleeding."

Still glowing with power, she waved an arm and Yuha, flickering in and out of consciousness, was freed from his prison, and the blood that'd started to leak out of his pores the moment Fubuki's boost was interrupted, stopped flowing once more.

But then, something unexpected happened.

The bucket thing that Tatsumaki had previously assumed to be part of Yuha's head cracked, finally having had enough punishment and split in two, falling to the ground.

"E-eh? Hair?" Fubuki said with bulging eyes.

But Tatsumaki, even if she was just as surprised to see that the man had actual, if short and quite spiky pink hair underneath his…hat? She did not outwardly react.

"And I've already saved this one earlier. I'll not have him die because of your incompetence! Hmf!" she said and rose to the sky, Yuha in tow, even as Fubuki clenched her fists.

Sorry, sis, but I'm not letting you have this one…

Tatsumaki flew like a bullet towards the Association's building.

"Heh! Tatsumaki's butt…"

Her lips twitched, threatening to form into a smile. Someone was viewing her as a woman! No way was she letting this one slip through her fingers!

"Heh! That's what I thought," the arrogant creature said, seemingly satisfied, turning around and starting to make its way out of the room.

…not that it managed to do so, for before it could take more than two steps, it froze in place.

"W-wha—"

And then, the aura of green holding it in place, contracted.

Sighing, and letting the power dissipate, the room's owner turned their attention back to the tablet in their arm.

"Hmm, so he did invade after all." On the screen, the aftermath of the subterraneans attempted invasion was visible, mixed with various images from all over the world, displaying the extent of the damage. "Such a pity, he really should have taken me up on my offer. Oh the wonders we could've achieved with their ability to traverse all but instantaneously through the ground—" On the screen a short clip played, showing Fubuki's body touching that of what had but a moment prior been an unimportant peon.

The tablet shattered and the room trembled.

"S-sir, Mosquito girl is d-dead."

He blinked and pushed his glasses up his nose.

"I'm aware of that subject, you are telling me this…why?"

He could taste the terror, and yet, at this instance? He cared not.

"W-well, I was the one you placed in charge of her. A-and—"

And the fool was no doubt expecting to die for it.

Normally he'd be right, but in this instance the peon would get to live.

"Yes, yes, whatever, if there's nothing else, you can leave, I'm quite busy you see."

"Y-Yes! I-I mean, no, sir! T-thank you, sir!" his creation shouted and made a beeline out of his room. The door of the high-tech laboratory sliding close.

As for him? His glasses glinted and a slow smile spread across his face as he continued staring at the terminal in front of him, and more specifically at the images of the now thwarted invasion.

An invasion that yielded such treasures.

Deep in space, a vessel bigger than most human cities sped through the void.