Hey, everyone!
Welcome to chapter 20 of My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive.
Hope you guys enjoy it!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Belt-san/Kamen Rider System]
"Super Moves!"
{Television}
[Otsukare(Nice job)!]
The Mach Driver Honoh announces as it is deactivated, its user removing the Neo Bat Viral Core from the device's slot.
With the 'duel' between Katsuki and Kamen Rider Crimson Drive finally over, the latter cancels his transformation, separating him and Roidmude 072 back into two.
The bat-themed android then adopts his human form, giving a nod to Yuuki before walking away as Shinji rejoins Kanade and Shinra.
"..."
Placing his hands inside his pants' pockets, Yuuki gives one last look at the devastated blonde before him, being unimpressed with Katsuki.
Nowadays, most people get overconfident with their Quirks. Take their superpowers away from them and they quickly fall apart.
It's pitiful really…
Katsuki raises his head and glares back at the cop Rider, tears still falling from his eyes. He hated this feeling as he felt that Yuuki was looking down on him.
"We are done here. Go lick your wounds." The detective tells him before walking away.
The teen was about to say something back when he realized that the Recusant's Sigil was still present on his shoulder.
"Hey! Wait! Give my Quirk back!"
"No. This is your punishment."
Yuuki then stops walking, his back turned towards Katsuki as he refuses to look at the boy. The others were confused by what the Rider just meant.
"W-What!?" The [Explosive] boy questioned. "My punishment?"
"To make sure you understand the consequences behind your actions, I won't remove the Recusant's Sigil from your body, Bakugo. It will stay with you for one week. Starting from now." The Rider warns.
"What!?" Katsuki cries in shock while everyone else looks equally surprised. The blonde quickly recovers as he cries in outrage. "You can't do that!"
"Oh, I can. And I already did. Your fate was sealed the moment I touched you." The detective counters.
He then finally turns to glare back at Katsuki, managing to intimidate the teenager with his own gaze.
"You like to look down on us Quirkless, don't you? Then how about becoming one of us? To 'lack' what everybody has and being cast away for this very difference. But what you will experience it's still nothing compared to the harsh moments people like I, Yuriko and Midoriya Izuku had to deal with throughout our lives. What I'm doing to you is a small act of 'mercy'. One I hope humbles you and later turns you into a more decent person."
This only seemed to further infuriate Katsuki.
"Mercy!? You call this mercy!?" He barked back at the cop.
Yuuki's expression then darkened at the boy's defiance.
"If you want, I can give you a worse punishment." He warns Katsuki, making the boy flinch. "For example… I could destroy your Quirk for good and leave you Quirkless for the rest of your life."
"Wait, what!?"
The rest of the audience became mortified by what they just heard from the black-haired vigilante.
"He… Tomari can also destroy Quirks!? Permanently!?" Toshinori questioned, not completely sure if he heard it right.
[Indeed… That appears to be the case.] Belt-san confirmed as the rest turned towards the sentient device. [And I supposed this is the part of Yuuki's [Imagine Breaker] that is similar to All For One's Quirk.]
"All For One? Wait… *Gasp!* I see now!" Gran Torino speaks before widening his eyes in realization.
"What is it?" Tensei questioned the elder as everyone else more familiar with the dreadful villain soon understood the issue as well.
"All For One's Quirk could take other people's Quirks away, leaving them Quirkless for the rest of their lives." Sir Nighteye says dreadfully.
"This must be the aspect of [Imagine Breaker] that got inspiration from his Quirk. To 'take' people's powers away from them." Nezu adds his input, frowning at such a notion.
[Correct. The only difference is that instead of keeping the 'stolen' Quirks for himself, Yuuki actually prefers to 'destroy' them. This renders his enemies Quirkless forever and makes them easier to take down, without the need of killing them, as this process also crushes his opponent's spirit.] The Drive Driver says lastly as the others look even more horrified with the true terror behind the Rider's unique skill.
The ability to permanently modify someone's body without changing them on the outside…
Belt-san now thinks about how Yuuki must have also taken some ideas for [Imagine Breaker] from Kamen Rider Ex-Aid's Maximum Mighty X Rider Gashat. Mainly the [Reprogramming] ability that the pink Doctor Rider's item held.
'[Imagine Breaker]... The power that can become the ultimate symbol of fear for everyone with Quirks… But at least it's better for it to be in the hands of someone like Tomari Yuuki than having it serve as yet another Quirk for All For One's collection.' Toshinori thinks somberly.
"Y-You're bluffing!" Katsuki cries, now actual fear taking over him. "T-There's no way you could have that kind of power! It's bullshit!"
He soon began to hyperventilate as memories of the time Terminus made him and the others at U.A. hostages began to resurface in his mind.
Of the time he was Quirkless...
"Perhaps. Perhaps not." Yuuki answers cryptically. "Want to find out?"
The cop then raises his hand as if in a gesture to touch the boy, who became even more frightened at this.
To become permanently Quirkless…
Like Deku…
This thought scared Katsuki as his body shakes in fear!
"No… No! Stay away from me!" The explosive blonde cried in despair.
Seeing this, Yuuki lowers his hand as he can see the damage he did to the previously cocky boy finally taking its full effect.
'I suppose we're done here.' The cop Rider thinks as he gives one last look at Katsuki before walking away.
Meanwhile, the boy stays behind, still sitting on the ground, as he takes some deep breaths to calm himself down. However, it seemed that this would take a bit longer since Katsuki saw how his hands wouldn't stop shaking for a while.
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 20: Moving on...
Later…
{A-A power to negate and destroy Quirks, you say?}
David spoke, a hint of disbelief in his voice, as he tried to process the events that happened during Yuuki and Katsuki's 'duel'.
He was talking with Krim and Toshinori through another video call, the latter two having gone to a private room to talk with their common acquaintance overseas while everyone else was busy with another project the Drive Team had in mind.
"Yes, as unbelievable as this may sound, this is the power that Tomari Yuuki 'created', David." Toshinori says to his old friend as he and Krim finish telling him about everything that happened earlier to the younger inventor.
"But that's not all. At least he and Yuriko will keep getting stronger the more they fight, allowing us to keep up with our enemies while the Rider System also keeps getting upgraded." Krim points out.
Toshinori and David contemplated this as they remembered how the older scientist explained the Rider System's working to them.
"Now that I think about it… I remember back at U.A. how Dark Drive and Tracer suddenly got stronger, allowing them to overpower Terminus and Malware." The Symbol of Peace realized. "What was that exactly?"
"Kamen Riders can also become stronger, especially when a Rider pushes themselves and their spirits to the limit and beyond in the heat of the battles against far stronger opponents. This either happens by the continual usage of Core Driviar technology or through experiencing strong emotions." Krim explains.
{Emotions? But how exactly, Professor?} David asks, confused.
"Joy, sadness, anger." Steinbelt listed. "Feelings are a power, invisible to the eye, that every person possesses. Strong feelings can signify that we embrace life fully, that we're not repressing our natural reactions. Strong feelings can overcome anything. I have seen many Kamen Riders possess this 'ability'."
{Strong feelings…} David repeated.
He briefly wonders how his daughter Melissa would react to the knowledge and existence of the Kamen Riders...
{[Imagine Breaker]... Astonishing… And where is everyone else by the way?} The renowned Support Items Creator questions the two of them, looking around the room the two of them were in.
"We're having everyone that I invited to the meeting take a scan of their brains for another project of mine." Krim answers, wiping his glasses as he faces his protégé. "Everyone's data will be used for the Fusion Project."
{Fusion Project?}
Krim then proceeds to talk about the same project that Shinra and Kanade were explaining to Mei and Power Loader earlier back at the arena, bringing the possibility of at least allowing regular people with Quirks to fuse with the defected Plain Roidmude trio and become Fusion Evolved Roidmudes with them to help the Kamen Riders. This is the Fusion Project, an idea Krim thought about making Fusion Evolved Roidmudes that would fight for humanity.
But it was easier said than done given the complications that existed in the brain capacity of everyone that has a Quirk...
"It will take a little longer, but I'm sure this project will be a success in a few months." Krim says, sounding optimistic. "When we are done, Toshinori and the rest will be able to finally fight alongside Yuuki and Yuriko as well."
But All Might and David did not share the same sentiment.
"In a few months!? But that's still too long to wait for!" Toshinori argues. "We don't have the luxury to wait for this long, Krim!"
Suddenly, an idea popped up in David's mind.
{I think I have the data necessary to speed up the process.} He says, surprising the other two. {From what I understood, the Roidmudes basically serve as 'living' Quirk Amplification Devices, right?}
"Yes, that's right. Do you have something similar in mind, David?" His mentor questions.
{I do. In fact, I actually created something similar.} David reveals, shocking them.
"Wait, what? You did?" Toshinori questioned before looking at his old friend in confusion. "When? And why?"
The renowned Support Items inventor then adopts a distraught look before replying:
{Well, you see…}
He then talks about a certain event back at I-Island...
In order to restore All Might's power, David and his assistant Sam(Samuel Abraham) researched for years to develop equipment that could revitalize Quirks. They eventually invented a support item that could exponentially increase the power of the user's Quirk without directly affecting the body. This meant the user's Quirk could be enhanced without the negative side effects of drugs like Trigger.
However, their sponsors at I-Island feared the damage that such a device could inflict upon society should it fall into the wrong hands, believing it would drastically change the structure of superhuman society. Therefore, governments from around the world put pressure on David to end his work on the project. The device and its research ended up being confiscated and locked away in the I-Island tower's security vaults.
"..." Krim and Toshinori adopted concerned expressions once David finished telling them about his 'masterpiece'.
'I suppose I shouldn't be surprised… David is a top scientist and a renowned figure in the study of Quirks. If someone can make a device that can enhance Quirks then it has to be no one other than him…' Krim thinks, feeling proud about his pupil's accomplishment despite the reasons that led his student to create such an item.
"David… You made such a device… Because of me?" Toshinori questioned his old friend, touched by his action and unsure of how to reply to this.
But that said…
David turned to face his mentor before speaking:
{Professor… About Toshinori… He's been growing weaker each year now. He's gotten bad injuries over his career, and if becoming the host to one of the Roidmudes can make him stronger then it's a good thing, right?}
"Well, yes I suppose." Krim nods in agreement.
But he also felt that there was more to this…
{And he's an experienced Pro Hero already, so just imagine how strong as a Fusion Roidmude he could become if he was the host! Not to mention that he's already familiar with how the government and the HSPC work!}
Steinbelt adopted a wary look at this.
"Where are you trying to get with this now, David?"
{I mean that you and your son won't have to deal with the stress of handling the authorities anymore.}
Ah, so that was it.
He still hasn't given up on the idea of bringing All Might back to his peak.
"David…" The older scientist began.
{I-It's just… Your son… Yuuki… H-He shows absolutely no interest in becoming a hero, right? I don't doubt his abilities. But…}
Toshinori had to agree with that.
However...
{Right now, more than ever, the people will need someone to be there for them. Someone that will make them feel safe. And who else other than Toshi to fulfill this role?}
Said Hero sighed at this, understanding where the Support Items inventor was trying to get at. While the Symbol of Peace took a quick liking to Yuriko, seeing that she had a mindset similar to that of him and Young Midoriya, he still wasn't completely happy with Krim's son either.
But he understands the young man's choices and reasons to do so, still seeing the good in the cop and respecting Yuuki upon seeing that the ravenette had his own way of fighting for the right thing.
That said…
"You think Yuuki is being selfish, I suppose?" Krim questioned his disciple and the Pro Hero.
"Well, yes. But I believe it's fine." Toshinori admits, nodding in understanding, as he smiles in resignation. "For all of the apathetic look he may display towards us, I have seen that, deep inside, he actually has a special kind of kindness, doesn't he? Especially towards detective Shijima."
The older scientist nods at this.
"Being selfish isn't necessarily a bad thing. Wanting to keep the ones we love close to us is selfish. Wanting to protect them so we don't see them hurt is selfish. Being selfish is human nature. That's simply who Yuuki actually is." Krim justifies. "Although, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure where to start talking about him."
He mused, taking a deep breath before continuing.
"Yuuki has a… complicated history when it comes to people. He used to have a tendency to push people away, always afraid of others using him as a tool. *Sigh* For the longest time, I was the only person he could rely upon. But there was a long stretch of time in which we were separated as well. From what I can tell, he's been alone the entire time before I adopted him, and he's still struggling to connect with people now. But at least he has Yuriko now, who is there supporting him. In return, this has also made him at least start to open himself more with the rest of those at Musutafu City's Police Department. She has been a positive influence on him. And not just because they are fellow Quirkless."
"Yes… I can see that now. With most people, detective Tomari presents himself as distant and dismissive, but he's hiding a softer side under his rough demeanor. However, that softer side is on full display whenever he interacts with you, detective Shijima, and, to a lesser extent, with the Plain Roidmude trio working for you, Krim." Toshinori points out.
"Yes, that's right." The otherworlder scientist agrees.
The No. 1 Hero then faces his old friend from his college days.
"David, I appreciate that you're concerned about the future and my place in it," All Might said, giving a reassuring look to his friend. "But I've long accepted that I can't always be the Number One Hero and Symbol of Peace. It's one of the reasons why I chose to become a teacher at UA. To prepare the next generation to become heroes. My time carrying the torch is coming to an end, and I'm all but ready to hand it to them."
Now it was Krim's turn to speak.
"David, I understand why you would also want to have Yuuki at least act like a Pro Hero. But I cannot force him to do something that he doesn't like. Even if the whole world is at stake." The bespectacled man explained. "Being a fellow father, especially to another Quirkless child, I thought you of all people would understand. As parents, we just want the best for our children, of course. But there is ultimately no point if our kids aren't happy with their lives."
David became speechless, not sure of how to reply to his mentor.
Right…
Just like how he had Melissa, the Professor also had his own Quirkless son in the form of Yuuki.
Speaking of the younger Shield…
{You're still looking for Quirkless people to become Kamen Riders, aren't you? Why didn't you say anything about my daughter back at the meeting?}
"Would you have liked that I did so?" His mentor shot back, silencing him.
{I-I…!}
"I don't want to drag innocents in this fight, David. It was never my intention." Steinbelt softly explains as he eyed Toshinori. "I had no choice this time because the Roidmudes attacked U.A. High and Toshinori was consulting you."
"We understand your reasons, but that's why we shouldn't keep secrets from each other now. Just like your past, I also shared the secret of [One For All] because I know I can trust you as well, Krim." All Might reassures the old scientist.
"Thank you, Toshinori." Steinbelt then faces his protégé. "I also never wanted to drag Yuuki into this battle, but he is the only one that can become Drive. He is our only hope. And I'm forever grateful he decided to help me out of his own good will nonetheless given his harsh past. And not just for some supposed sense of 'moral obligation'(Toshinori winced at that). Even if the reason to do so was mainly because he wanted to 'repay' me for adopting and taking care of him. But what about your daughter, David?"
{What about Melissa?}
"How do you think she would react to the idea of having to burden the fate of the entire world on her shoulders as a Kamen Rider? Just like how Yuuki and Yuriko are doing now. Do you think she would be happy? Do you believe she can handle this sort of pressure? We both know she always wanted to be a Pro Hero, but could you truly live at ease knowing how she would put her life constantly at risk?"
{...}
David suddenly grimaced as he mentally visualized his daughter facing several dangerous Roidmudes on her own as a Kamen Rider…
He knows very well from Toshinori how the life of a Pro Hero is very dangerous, especially since his old friend got badly injured after facing All For One.
So the thought of imagining Melissa inside a body bag after being killed by a Roidmude…
Such nightmarish thoughts sent a chill down the spine!
But what if his daughter somehow still gets dragged into this fight!?
Now he understands what must be going through his mentor's head.
Krim once lost Protozero and the same almost happened to his previous partner Shinnosuke.
So if something happened to his son…
{... You're both right, All Might, and Professor...} David admitted, looking down in shame. {I've... I've been absolutely foolish about this... I'm sorry...}
Krim gave him a reassuring look.
"It's fine, David."
Steinbelt then brings forth some of the items that he actually plans to share later with the others.
Amongst the objects he selected were primarily items that he tested with Yuriko before she effectively became a Kamen Rider.
First were the Anti-Roidmude Bullets, able to effectively hold off Roidmudes with these bullets. These bullets are now advanced to the point where, with enough firepower, they can destroy a Plain Roidmude, both body and Core, with the latter thus exceeding Proto Drive, who was incapable of destroying Cores.
This was first demonstrated in the past, when a police squad destroyed the previous incarnation of Roidmude 066 after foiling his attempt to immobilize them with their "Pikopiko 3" previously made by Rinna.
Next were the Rear Cowl Boots that Yuriko now uses alongside her uniform. Krim had plans to later produce gloves or gauntlets with the same properties as those boots, planning to give samples to Toshinori and other Pro Heroes that rely a lot on their fists.
And finally, the last version of Rinna's Heavy Acceleration Reducing Machine that anybody could use as means to fight against Roidmudes while evading [Heavy Acceleration]s induced by them.
{Is that a device made by this Mrs. Rinna that can resist [Heavy Acceleration]?} David questions his mentor while Toshinori checks said woman's Pikopiko 4 creation.
XXXXXXX
Under the wish of Togama Akio, the head of SSDC, Rinna created lighter versions of the Heavy Acceleration Reducing Machine, called Pikopiko 4, which appears to be based on the Shift Car Holder, but with two smaller computer chips in place of Shift Cars.
It is believed that Rinna might have installed the gadget with a Core Driviar since only such a device so far in the story is the only such device capable of manipulating said waves.
Originally, she made five models but was forced to create more of them with Kyu as the battle against the Roidmudes was nearing a close.
Several of them were destroyed when a troop of the Reaper Legion invaded the Drive Pit in order to ensure that no human would be able to resist the Heavy Acceleration upon the second Global Freeze.
Based on their color scheme, it is likely that Pikopiko 4 was intended to replace the previous model fitted onto the Mach production model suit.
XXXXXXX
{All these inventions and technology…}
Krim adopted a confused look as David suddenly muttered with a tone of disbelief in his voice.
"Hmm? What's the matter now, David?"
{Why? Just… Why?}
"Why what?"
{Why do you hide your true talents from the rest of the world, Professor? Not just the Rider System… But you created a car that can go to space and even time travel… I… I just don't understand…} His former student questioned, a look of confusion and frustration on his face as he struggled to grasp what was going through his mentor's mind. {I mean… Just imagine all the good you could do, Professor… If everybody knew the full extent of your talents! I think this would help a lot in the fight against the Roidmudes if many people supported your works.}
While David was thinking that this would boost his mentor's self-esteem, Krim grimaced at the thought of everybody else in the world knowing about his true capabilities.
Yeah, not happening.
Why?
Well…
While his pupil only had the best intentions, his suggestion would cause more harm than good in the long term for the older scientist.
Especially if the wrong kind of people start to come after him and the rest of the Drive Team…
And let's not even start with the fact that Krim is a person from another reality.
Just imagine the can of worms waiting to be opened…
"David… You have to understand that I can't easily share my technology with others because I can't risk a repeat of what happened between me and Banno." Krim tells his protégé. "I don't want people misusing my technology again."
"But it's not your fault now, Professor." Toshinori reassures the scientist. "You were trying to atone for your 'sins' in the past, when you fought alongside detective Shinnsouke and the others at the Special Crimes Unit. But you don't have a fault in what's happening now since we are sure you didn't have a hand in reviving those new Roidmudes."
{Yeah, Toshi's right, Professor.} David agrees with his old friend.
"Speaking of it… I also don't want you to make the same mistake I did, David."
This confused Shield.
{Huh? What do you mean, professor?}
"Well, I think your sponsors made the right choice in stopping your Quirk Amplification Device's research."
{What? But…!} His voice made it clear that he felt betrayed by his teacher's words.
And David was about to protest, but once he thinks again about Krim and Banno's sour relationship, he quickly falls silent in realization.
Yes, that's right…
Right now, there was the risk that his device could still fall into the wrong hands…
Yeah, maybe he really should have a second thoughts about going along with the crazy plan Sam proposed to him previously now that he thought about it…
That fake terrorist act for this year's I-Expo.
Krim's expression softened as he replied to his pupil.
"David, I appreciate the concern you have for me. But it's best that I stay away from the spotlight. Just like Yuuki and Yuriko. It's not like I'm looking for recognition or anything of the sort. You give me too much credit sometimes." He explains while chuckling in a fond manner. "For example, I became a teacher in this new world because I was sincerely interested in transmitting whatever knowledge I could to future generations and inspiring others in my own ways. And I'm glad I did so. It's what allowed me to meet you and Toshinori in the first place back in the United States all those years ago."
{And what about Steinebelt Corporation? Why did you never open a company in the Support Items industry? With your talents, I'm sure you would profit even more in that area rather than with an IT company.}
"Well, I'm, first and foremost, a scientist. A scholar. A researcher. And not a Support Items designer. I'm not doing any of this for money or any sort of compensation. And I don't intend to make things that 'only' Pro Heroes can make use of. I always plan things with the intent of creating inventions that will benefit mankind as a whole. That's who I have always been. And the Rider System was created with the same intent. An instrument of hope to aid humanity in its darkest times."
'An instrument of hope…' David and Toshinori repeated in their minds, finding no reason to doubt Professor Steinbelt's words.
Given how the elder acts, they should have probably not expected anything different from when they met him during their college days.
Perhaps they should try viewing things more in the same way Krim does…
"And compared to me, I think you are equally if not more talented, David. I'm sure you will surpass me someday. It's only a matter of time. I mean, you even won a Nobel Prize because of your study on Quirks, didn't you? That's amazing! And it's something I have never managed to accomplish. Not even back in my old world during my researcher days." The older scientist compliments his pupil.
But this wasn't enough to satisfy his student. If anything, it only made David more upset.
{Do you really mean it, professor?}
"What? Of course, I do. Why would you think otherwise, David?"
{It's just… After everything I learned today… I can't help but imagine if you were being really honest when you were praising my work.}
Krim frowned.
"Why would you think that?"
{Isn't it obvious? Compared to the Tridoron and the NEXTridoron, my Allmobile feels insignificant… And compared to your Drive System… The closest thing to it is the custom I made for Toshi. And now, it doesn't feel that great either… And the Quirk Amplification Device… Even that doesn't feel so great now in comparison to how the Fusion Evolved Roidmudes could further enhance the humans they fuse with…}
"David…" Krim noticed how his student became distraught the more he explained his opinion towards his teacher's hidden talents.
What could he do to cheer his pupil up?
"You still shouldn't give up in moments like this, David. I also had my fair share of trials and errors, okay? It's only because I overcame them that I stand here now." Steinbelt says to David.
{I see... Alright... I will try to think about it...} The Support Items' designer replies as he tries to take his mentor's words into consideration.
They eventually decide to change topics…
{So… About the Quirk Amplification Device… I could give a few ideas to speed up the process for the Fusion Project, Professor. Do you want me to send the data to your computer?}
"Actually, that's risky. There's the chance the Roidmudes might get a hold of this information since they have their eyes on the network." Krim explains gravely.
An idea suddenly pops up in Toshinori's head.
"Then how about you visit Japan and personally hand Krim the data, David?"
{What?} David was surprised by this.
"Actually, Toshinori made a good point." Krim agrees with the Pro Hero. "Why don't you take some time off from work and make some use of it to relax during the visit, David? I heard you will be quite busy since the I-Expo's week is getting closer."
"And you could even bring Melissa along if you wish. It's been quite a while since I last saw her." Toshinori adds, thinking about his niece figure and the possibility of meeting with her.
{O-Oh… Alright, I will think about it…} David takes his friend's advice into consideration before eyeing his mentor. {Speaking of visits… What about you, Professor? I know Toshinori will come to this year's I-Expo. Can I assume you will come as well?}
Krim finally smiled at this.
It was good that his pupil was starting to no longer dwell on negative thoughts for now.
"Of course, I wouldn't dream of missing it either."
I-Island, David Shields's Lab
David eventually ends the video call with All Might and Krim, taking some time alone to think and ponder about what he should do now.
He sat in the dark, deep in thought…
He still couldn't believe it.
His project to help All Might...
All of his funding, cut. His project, confiscated. All of his notes and research, confiscated. But he still had some mental notes and data that he thoroughly memorized and was deeply etched into his mind.
He had spent so much time on this, he had no other idea what to do. He couldn't tell Melissa this about, not after how excited she's been to hear how much progress he's been making.
Though even while he was working on his project, that was coming into question when the world found out about the Kamen Riders and the Roidmude menace. The fact that All Might, in their last call weeks, admitted that even he might've had a difficult time fighting someone like Terminus and or their mysterious Emperor on his own, scared him.
That was one of the motivators for him to keep working on the project, so that they could fight against the evil androids on their own. They couldn't just rely on some unknown vigilante to do it, even if he didn't fully realize that his mentor was also involved in the battles back then.
But his sponsors failed to even consider that…
His assistant Samuel Abraham suggested that they hire actors to pretend to be villains so that they steal everything back, and in his rashness, he agreed to it, letting Samuel handle contacting them.
But could he really go through with something like that? Even if they were fake villains, it would still be considered a crime.
And All Might...
No, not just him.
Toshinori and Professor Steinbelt might hate him for doing something like this. But Japan, no, the entire world needs the Symbol of Peace.
Or that was what he thought…
In a way, he was glad that he was able to talk about his frustrations with Toshinori and Krim, their words eventually opening his eyes. And the idea of stealing the Quirk Amplification Device now seemed pointless given that the Roidmudes could render all Quirks useless.
And even the Kamen Riders could do the same apparently given Tomari Yuuki's newly developed [Imagine Breaker]…
Krim was right, Quirks aren't everything.
How could he forget this valuable lesson he got from his mentor?
The same lesson he always tried to use with Melissa whenever her daughter was depressed because of her Quirkless condition…
But there was still time, he could still right these wrongs.
If he shared the remaining Quirk Amplification Device data that he still had, Krim would be able to complete the Fusion Project.
While All Might and the other heroes would not be able to become Kamen Riders, they would at least be able to safely fuse with Shinji, Kanade and Shinra and become good Fusion Evolved Roidmudes that would fight on humanity's side.
'I've been so foolish for thinking so shortsightedly. Me, a scientist who's always looking for answers for the future. I'm sorry for my behavior, Toshi. And Professor...'
He took out his phone, and punched in Samuel's number.
"Hey Sam, it's me, Dave," he said, his phone pressed against his ear.
{Dave! How are you doing? I was just about to make the calls and emails for the plan, and I-}
"We... we need to call it off, Sam," Dave said, pinching his eyebrow.
{What!? Why!? All of our research-}
"I've been talking with All Might and my mentor, and I... I've been foolish for thinking only about a future with All Might. There are others... they're so much more ready to take his place than I thought. I haven't told them all about the Quirk Amplification Device, but still, just talking to him and those others... Maybe it's best we let this go."
{Let it go!? Dave, we've spent so much time working on it! Are you saying that we should just accept that we wasted it all for nothing!?}
"Not for nothing. We've figured out a way to strengthen Quirks without using drugs like Trigger. That alone is a big advancement, but thinking about it now, maybe the sponsors are right about it. If Trigger's dangerous, the Quirk Amplification Device can be even more dangerous. Besides, it's not like we're out of the job now, there are several other interesting projects here at I-Island that we can still take a part of."
{Dave, you can't be serious-}
"I am, Sam. I'm glad that we went through with the research, but it's time to move on. We need to trust the next generation, and we can start by focusing on paving the way for how Quirks affect brain activity and possible technological studies to help deal with this issue."
{... Fine,} Samuel sighed, though still clearly dissatisfied by David's answer. {Have a good night, David.}
"Good night, Sam," David said, catching his assistant's upset tone, though he decided to let him calm down on his own.
"Talk to you later."
Back with Krim…
At the same time, as they finished their talk with David, Krim and Toshinori were about to check if everybody else was done with their brain scans.
Once everyone was done, Steinbelt would offer his guests a luxurious all-you-can-eat dinner to try to cheer them up since it was clear that almost everyone else was still a bit depressed from the duel between his son and the explosive brat. Especially the young Hero Course students that were very attached to their respective Quirks.
But as they prepared to leave the room, the two heard a knock on the door.
*Knock!* *Knock!*
"Come in." Krim invited.
"Excuse me." Power Loader says as he opens the door, entering the room before being followed by a nervous-looking Mei.
"Ah, Power Loader. Young Hatsume." All Might greets them. "Did something happen with the brain scan process?"
"Oh, no. There's nothing wrong with that. We're not fully done with it yet since we're still waiting for the rest to be done with their respective parts." The other teacher explains before facing Krim. "We actually came here to talk with you in the meanwhile, Mr. Steinbelt."
Krim got confused at this.
"With me? But why?"
At this, Power Loader glances at his student.
"To be more precise, I came with Hatsume here since she is the one that actually wants to make a request to you, Mr. Steinbelt. I merely came along since I'm worried due to being her teacher."
This got Krim's curiosity, remembering that the curious pinkette was from U.A. High's Support Items course.
"Ah, I see. In that case, what is the matter, Hatsume-san?" The bespectacled scientist kindly asks the young woman.
Mei seemed to become nervous once she became everyone's focus before eventually mustering the courage to speak with Krim.
She usually wasn't like this, but considering what she was about to ask, it was to be expected.
"Mr. Steinbelt…" She started before bowing as she begged.
"Please… Please make me your apprentice!"
"..."
"..."
Krim simply blinked in confusion as he processed what he had just heard.
"What?"
With Izuku…
The greenette was now waiting for the rest of his classmates to be done with their respective brain scans, having already done his part to contribute.
He was now waiting alone in a hallway of the Steinbelt Manor, left alone to ponder on his latest thoughts.
After the duel between Katsuki and Yuuki, the mood became very tense as morale amongst almost everyone that was invited to the meeting was quickly brought down.
The unspoken message the crimson Rider gave them was still fresh in their minds: Your Quirks won't be enough to save you.
'After everything I have done so far to control [One For All]... After All Might and Gran Torino spent time training with me… What am I supposed to do now…?' The moss head thinks, slowly becoming depressed.
"Ah, there you are!"
Hmm?
The boy gets to see Yuriko approaching him with a small smile, she was carrying some document files under her arm.
"Detective Shijima?" Izuku greets her, confusion on his face. "Is there something you need from me?"
"Oh, it's nothing like that." She replies. "I just wanted to give these to you. Here."
"Eh?"
He checked the files she gave him and they all contained data about not just the Kamen Riders that used Core Driviar technology, but also the ones that came before and after Kamen Rider Drive himself.
This only makes Izuku look at Yuriko with a puzzled look on his face.
'Why?' He wanted to question her.
"Weren't you asking for more info about the other Kamen Riders earlier?" She clarified. "I asked Krim earlier and he said it's fine sharing this info with you."
Oh!
"T-Thank you very much, Shijima-san!"
"Yuriko."
"Huh?"
"You can call me Yuriko. I don't mind." She explains. "That said, you don't mind if I call you Izuku-kun from now on, do you?"
"N-Not all, Shij- I mean, Yuriko-san."
She smiles and nods at this.
"Good. I also decided to give you this since I don't think you will misuse this information. You can also share this data with your classmates so long as you make sure people from outside don't find out about this. Even if they can't replicate Kamen Rider technology, who knows what disastrous things can happen if they get their hands on the knowledge of Krim's home world." The detective warns Izuku.
"R-Right, of course!"
"You were also taking notes earlier, weren't you? I saw what you wrote: Information from dozens of heroes, how they operate, their support gear, even theories on how their Quirks work. What you gathered was pretty impressive." She adds, complimenting him as this made the boy a little flustered at the unexpected praise.
"I also saw that you're an earnest and honest kind of person. I'm glad you got to be the one chosen to be All Might's successor(Izuku flinched at that). Yeah, I guess you will be fine from now on. And like you, I'm also wanting to study the information about other Kamen Riders. But in my case, it's in order to learn how to properly use the Legend Signal Bikes based on some of them."
*Beep!* *Beep!*
At this, Signal Legend Gaim, the Signal Bike themed after Kamen Rider Gaim's Lock Vehicle Sakura Hurricane, showed up and landed on Yuriko's shoulder.
"Right…" Izuku muttered in uncertainty as he watched take a look at it.
He then takes a look at the woman's wrist, the one Katsuki forcefully grabbed earlier and used his Quirk on. Izuku saw that there were bandages wrapped around it.
Recovery Girl could have easily healed that sort of injury with her Quirk, but her help was refused since Yuriko needs to have her body adjust gradually to the Rider System and she couldn't have the injury healed instantly for that.
'And the same must have happened to her and Tomari-san after the second battle of U.A.' Izuku thinks in distress as he wonders how the two vigilantes probably got badly injured fighting to save him and the others back then.
Having an idea of what the boy was thinking, Yuriko quickly speaks:
"You don't have to worry about my wrist." She assures him with a kind smile. "I have a high pain tolerance thanks to my training. This is nothing compared to the other things I went through."
While Izuku wasn't entirely convinced, he wouldn't press the matter.
"Yuriko-san… What's gonna happen to Kaachan?" He finally decides to ask a question that's been bugging him.
At this, the detective's cheerful mood is gone, being replaced by a serious air around her. She gestures for him to sit with her on a bench nearby before replying:
"What do you think will happen with him, Izuku-kun?"
"He's going to be punished, isn't he?"
"Yeah."
"Is he going to be expelled?"
"..."
"Yuriko-san..."
"That will be up to your teacher and Principal Nezu."
"Ah, I see…" He looks nervously at her while the woman is sporting a neutral expression.
"Do you think he's hero material?"
"Huh?"
"I asked if you think he's hero material?"
At this, Izuku suddenly remembers the lecture Yuuki was giving Katsuki, saying how the latter could hardly be considered a hero with his nasty attitude.
"Yes." The greenette replies, not showing a single hint of hesitation.
"..." Yuriko stares back at him in silence, merely raising an eyebrow at the boy.
She doesn't say anything back at this, simply looking at him with a judgy expression.
"Then let's hope he changes to a better person from now."
It's the only thing the woman says in response.
"..."
Izuku doesn't know what else to say to defend his bully/classmate.
Other than his powerful Quirk and how dedicated Katsuki was to his studies, the blonde hardly had any other redeeming qualities that would qualify him as a 'decent' person.
Izuku knew that. And yet, he still couldn't find himself saying something that will make the impression of the explosive kid get even worse than it already is…
"What's done is done. There's no point in dwelling on what could've gone differently." Yuriko reminds him, snapping Izuku from his thoughts.
"A-Ah… Y-Yeah…" The greenette stuttered as he hesitantly agreed with the detective.
"But enough about him…" Yuriko decides to change topics, now looking at Izuku with a concerned expression. "So, spill it out. What's bothering you now?"
"H-Huh?"
"C'mon. You didn't really think I just came here to deliver the databook on the Kamen Riders, right?" She presses. "It's clear there's something else eating you aside from Bakugo. So, what is it?"
Izuku thought about dismissing her, but it was clear from Yuriko's stubborn expression that she won't stop until he relents.
He lets out a sigh before finally coming clear…
"It's just… I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now."
"What do you mean?"
He then begins to talk about everything that he has learned so far about the war between humanity and Roidmudes, with Yuuki's attitude being the one thing that has been bothering him the most so far...
And it didn't help either when the detective went further ahead and made his own unique skill…
His own unique 'Quirk' in the form of [Imagine Breaker]...
"I see. Izuku-kun… Look, I understand why you might be upset… But you do know that Tomari-san is not doing any of this out of spite, right?" Yuriko questions the greenette, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder. "He does what he does because that's his way of preparing everyone for what's about to come."
"But…"
"I understand you might be upset(and maybe a bit jealous) that he said you can't become a Kamen Rider, even if you haven't met All Might the day he decided to make you his successor." She assures him. "But even if you can't be one of us, you can still become a great hero."
"I-I can?" He asks, his face being one of surprise.
"Yeah. You remember our talk earlier, right? If you believe strongly enough and work hard, then your dreams will surely become true." Yuriko encourages him. "It's not a matter of having a Quirk or not. Of being born Quirkless or not. Of being able to become a Rider or not."
"But the Roidmudes… And my Quirk being rendered useless…" Izuku tries to argue.
"Don't worry about that. That's why we are here, right? We have to help each other. Focus on what you can do, and not what you can't. There will come a time when your help will be greatly needed. Until then, hone your skills so that you're ready to fight alongside us, Izuku-kun."
"Yuriko-san…" The boy felt touched by her words.
"I understand what you're going through, Izuku-kun. Since I also wanted to be a hero. I don't have a Quirk, but I still want to help others in my own way. That's why I became a police officer. And there were others, like my family and friends, who encouraged me to do so."
She then stops to think about certain words her mother once told her.
The same words she was about to say to Izuku…
"Yuriko, the road in front of you to your goal is not an easy one. You have no special powers, no Quirk, to help you stand out. You will find doors shut in your face all the time. People will judge you because of the way you were born. But if you work harder than anyone else, do more than anyone else, then you can do this. It won't ever be easy, and you will be told to quit repeatedly, but if you shut those voices out and make this your mission, then you can do it. It will cost you everything to do this without the advantages that others have, but I believe in you."
Izuku's face was wet.
He listened as pain etched into his heart, helplessly observing as the police officer kept talking with him. He mourned, aching inside, when he heard the words that he wished his own mother had also wanted to say to him at one time, yet never did. He would have given anything to listen to those words while he was growing up.
He shut his eyes, trying to shut these feelings out, but it didn't work. A dam shattered inside of him, and his body heaved with a shaky intake of air.
He got [One For All] and managed to enroll in U.A. High's Hero Course. But deep inside, Izuku was still troubled that he had 'borrowed' power from All Might.
Unlike Yuriko, he would never prove that he could become a true hero without a Quirk...
"After the meeting, Principal Nezu offered me a way to get a Pro Hero license, saying that he had several contacts that could help me." The cop tells the student, shocking him. "And if it was any other day, I would've probably accepted his offer without hesitation. However, this doesn't matter anymore."
This got the boy to stop crying as he looked at the woman with a puzzled expression.
"W-Why!?" He couldn't help but ask.
She simply shrugs in response before answering:
"I have come to understand, after learning about the previous Kamen Riders, that you don't really need a license or a Quirk to be a true hero. That you don't need a reason to do the right thing. Just try to be the best person you can as you help others along the way."
Yuriko gave him a small gentle smile, nodding in understanding.
"Well, you still need to grow a spine, Izuku-kun… But despite what the others say, never forget about this kindness you have inside your heart, Izuku-kun. That is why All Might chose you in the first place. And that is what makes you a courageous person."
This got Izuku confused.
"Me? Courageous?"
"Who else?" She asks back with an amused smirk. "Back at the auditorium, you impressed me with the way you were ready to give up [All For One] just to become a Kamen Rider. I think that's a really hard decision many would have trouble choosing. Even for me, if I had a Quirk. But you showed no hesitation. That's pretty incredible on your part, Izuku-kun."
Izuku teared up once again as he kept hearing Yuriko's words…
"Y-Yuriko-san… Thank you!"
"Hey, it's fine. Really. And besides, we fellow Quirkless need to stick together right?" She encourages the boy with a big smile. "Just remember: When you have to save someone, they're usually in a scary situation. A true hero saves not only their lives but also their spirits... That's what I believe. So no matter how scary things get, give 'em a smile, as if to say, "I'm a-Okay". The people in this world who can smile are always the strongest."
With Yuuki…
The Rider was resting on a veranda's rail of the Steinbelt Manor, looking at the now night sky filled with stars.
"..." He was sporting an unreadable expression on his face.
"I see that you appear to have a lot going on your mind right now."
The Rider spares a glance to look at Kenji approaching him from behind.
"Hey, chief." The ravenette greets his superior.
The man-dog simply nods to the detective as he also leans on the rail, joining Yuuki's side.
"How are you feeling, Tomari?"
The Rider's fingers clench into tight fists.
"I thought I'd feel something... I don't know. But I guess I don't know what to feel about."
He feels Tsuragamae's eyes on him, neither judging nor condemning him.
"Are you still angry about what the kid did to Shijima or are you disappointed that teaching him a lesson wasn't as satisfying as you hoped?"
"Neither? Both?" Yuuki tosses his hands up, not too sure of that answer himself.
"Why haven't you talked to your father about this?" The police chief probes carefully.
The Rider winces, shifting guiltily on the spot. Might as well be honest about it. He's come this far. Yuuki pinches the bridge of his nose and exhales deeply.
"It's stupid. It's over. But it's still eating at me."
"It's far from stupidity. Vengeance is a complicated subject and there's no one-size-fits-all answer for any of it. Even if you destroyed that boy's Quirk by your own hand, I guarantee you'd still be wrestling with these emotions. That's just human nature." Kenji tells him, and he gestures between the two of them. "But this is healthy."
"Is it healthy to whine and complain about something this infantile?" Yuuki arches an eyebrow, unamused.
He feels pathetic that he can't let go. That he's stuck over something this foolish.
"Dealing with personal Quirkless-related issues isn't some juvenile squabble. What I'm saying is; it's healthy to lay it all out so you can deal with it properly. Woof!" The man-dog corrects with patience and understanding,
"When the target of your pain and rage is suddenly gone, and it's not even by your own hands, then where does all of that go? After being focused on that one thing for such a long time, how are you supposed to redirect it to a new purpose? It's really tough stuff to handle. As I've pointed out, and as much as you deny it to the contrary, you're a child and there's a Gordian knot of complex feelings at play that most adults wouldn't even begin to know how to process."
Yuuki fidgets with his hands,
"Did you feel that way back then?" He asked his boss.
What the detective meant was Kenji's past.
Despite having a Quirk, the police chief has also suffered his fair share of bullying and discrimination due to his mutant looks. And like Yuuki, he also went through the notion of delivering payback to those that wronged him and others like him in the past.
Aside from Quirkless people, the next ones that got severely discriminated against by society were people with Mutant-Type Quirks.
"At the bottom of it, revenge is really just an empty catharsis. Makes us feel like we've accomplished something but it doesn't bring back those we've lost. When I finally became police chief and arrested some people due to racism-related Quirk crimes, I could lie and tell you that I felt great. I was satisfied, that I howled to the high heavens with triumph and all that noble flowery bullshit they like to spin in whimsical folk tales. But the truth is I was tired. So very tired and empty and I just wanted everything to be over." Kenji answers quietly, and resigned.
When Yuuki glanced his way, his boss aged decades in seconds and his eyes were glued to the distant horizon, completely deprived of any remaining vitality he may have left. Fleeting seconds of vulnerability that lingered like the aftershock of a lightning strike, and it takes visible effort to pull himself back together.
"That being said, it's not entirely worthless. People struck by our kind of tragedy need that pyrrhic satisfaction. That finality, empty and vicious as it is, is what lets a person close the matter. To lay that demon to rest. It's ugly and unfulfilling and a joy of the most vacant kind, but it's closure. That closure lets people move on and heal."
The detective considers his words, letting the thoughts tick over in his brain. At last, he speaks,
"Krim… My father said that I should stop grieving and let myself heal. And maybe that is true."
"Do you believe him?" Kenji prompts, subdued.
"Maybe." Yuuki supplies distantly, he's not used to being laid so bare, "Punishing myself over past regrets; I'm used to it."
"Even if it's miserable, it's comforting in the familiar, isn't it?" The man-dog asks and the Rider makes a little sound of affirmation in his throat and doesn't answer, pondering in silence.
"I don't think Krim and Yuriko would approve if I did that either. Lamenting and commiserating, I mean." Yuuki agrees, lip curling into a bittersweet yet fond smile.
"Mmm. Flowery words are easier than actions though, aren't they?" Kenji suggests and the ravenette sends a rueful look his way.
He's hitting the nail on the head, over and over.
"Letting go of that grief; It's not easy. Even when that matter's settled, I don't have to tell you that nothing can take away that pain. There are bad days and days that aren't so bad, but waking up every morning and making the decision to push ahead in spite of that? That's courage at its finest." Kenji says, he shrugs and his fingers brush against his head,
"It's bitterly hard work. But just because it's hard doesn't mean it's not worth it. If you don't let yourself move past that point then you'll be stuck, trapped in that moment forever. And trying to change what's set in stone? That's no way to live."
Yuuki draws in a breath, half-remembering something he'd read in the past during school days.
"The best revenge is living well."
Kenji makes a noise of approval in his throat.
"I'd say that's a good sentiment. If you can live by it. Woof!"
The detective leans back on his hands, staring out at the stars.
"It's not like I've been obsessed with revenge or anything like that, but if I had the chance to get even with every scumbag that bullied me because of my Quirkless condition… Well, I don't think I'd be able to look my father and Yuriko in the eye if I wasted my life like that either. I want to be someone they can be proud of."
"That's fine." The police chief assures his subordinate. "I'm sure you will find the answer you seek eventually."
The police chief then adds:
"When I was younger, I got sick of my wallowing self-pity. I have done my fair share of deeds, in retaliation to the discrimination I faced, that I'm not proud about. But I eventually met my wife, a person with a 'normal' look. She then asked a very good question that I want you to keep in mind: why do you need other's permission to forgive yourself if you do something you feel regretful about?"
"That is a damn good question." Yuuki agrees.
"Want to know the answer I came up with?" Kenji prompts rhetorically, "I don't. Neither do you. And the fantastic part about that is; you don't have to do it all at once either. You let yourself heal at the pace you want to, day by day. It doesn't matter how much or how little. As long as tomorrow is better than today, as long as you keep moving forward, then that's enough."
Yuuki's brow furrows slightly, lips twitching into a half-smirk.
"Geez. Aren't you just supposed to just be the police chief of Musutafu City or did they pay you overtime as our therapist too?"
Kenji stifles a laugh, and he responds frankly.
"You would be astonished to learn how often those two roles coincide. Woof!"
The Rider gives a full smirk.
"I'll bet."
Another long pause. They stay still there quietly in each other's company, watching the world pass them by.
"Well," Tsuragamae begins after maybe five minutes, when it's clear that line of discussion is over, a pale imitation of his usual bravado, "It's probably not the answers you're looking for, but they're the only ones I've got I'm afraid."
Yuuki dismisses that with a shrug.
"I expected you to shut me down. I'm happy with whatever I get."
Kenji glances out at the rushing river, heaving a sigh.
"Do you want to be alone?"
"Yes... no."
"Alright."
"..."
"..."
"Hey, chief?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. Thank you for placing Yuriko as my partner. And I'm not just saying that because she is a fellow Quirkless."
"So you finally noticed my real intentions, huh? The two of you were supposed to help each other grow as you took her under your wing, Tomari. But I'm glad to see how she also changed your attitude and taught you things. To teach how to open yourself and learn to trust others."
"Yeah. And I also realized that you were still looking out for us as well." Yuuki points out. "You always made sure that we would get the Roidmude-related cases so as to make our investigation and fights easier."
Kenji simply gave his subordinate a sly grin.
"So… Tomari… I've been thinking… About the offer I gave you earlier…"
"My answer is still no." Yuuki politely declines. "I don't think I'm fit to be promoted to police inspector."
"I still want you to reconsider." Kenji insists. "Besides, I also want to create a special police task force to deal with the Roidmudes. Our own Special Crimes Unit. And I would like you to lead it."
"Sir, with all due respect… I'm not sure I'm the right guy for this…" Yuuki tries to protest. "You must have heard by now why I joined the police force in the first place, right? Just to have an easier time investigating the Roidmudes. Compared to people like Tsukauchi and Yuriko, I'm not sure I deserve to be called a 'true cop', someone out there genuinely defending the people. Heck, I'm even considering leaving the force once all the Roidmudes are defeated. And you remember what I told everyone back at the auditorium, right? I'm far from being considered someone altruistic."
Kenji seemed to be disappointed with the Rider's answer.
"I can't fault you if you think that way, Tomari. But remember, Shijima-chan, Tsukauchi and several of your coworkers still think you are a great police officer as well. Myself included. There were several cases in the past that were only solved thanks to your insight. Many lives were saved thanks to you." The senior reminds the detective. "You can't abandon the police force. Everybody needs you. More than you believe. More than you give yourself credit for. To protect the people and fight for the right thing is not just the Pro Heroes' and the Kamen Riders' duty. This also applies to the police force. This is also a belief that your predecessor, Tomari Shinnosuke, lived by."
'A belief to live by…' Yuuki repeats in his mind.
The world was not black-and-white morality like the Pro Heroes believed it to be. So many shades of gray exist within humanity. We commit atrocities in the service of good. We do good deeds to further disgusting goals. The world will accept the grayed morality or burn to wave its two-toned flag.
The Closing Screen of this chapter shows Shift Speed Wild Technic(Shift Trinity), Shift Fruits, Legend TriCyclone and a Bat Neo Viral Core, side by side, with the logo of Kamen Rider Dark Drive behind them.
Roidmude Casualties: 011†, 013†, 015†, Iron(029)†, Liquid(034)†, 042†, 054†, Judge(065)†, 071†, Beast(077)†, 083†, 088†, 093†
Count at the end of the chapter: 95 out of 108?
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 20: Moving on...
- End -
Author Notes:
Thank you for reading!
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
If possible, I would like all guest reviewers to identify themselves since this will make it easier for me to reply and for you all to check what I typed in response for each of you.
Question Corner!
(Please answer this in the Reviews if possible):
No questions at the moment.
Review Time!
PhantomKnightPercival: Yeah. :)
Dragon Of The Ecplising Moon: Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for your input.
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked the chapter!
Slowdown Wristbands are items made by Roidmude 018, which allow humans to cause [Slowdown] and freely move through it.
Ok, I already have some plans to make Lady Nagant team up with my Mashin/Kamen Rider Chaser in this story.
Yes, I decided to also make Melissa become a Kamen Rider later.
Not sure yet if I will go along with the Training Camp Arc.
#2nd review: No idea yet about what motif I'm going to give to Melissa.
Not sure yet about what I plan to do with Chaser meeting Eri or not.
Dr. Exposition: Yep. No need for an ass-kicking. Hope you liked the chapter.
Guest(1): I will try to update as soon as I feel motivated to continue the next chapter.
Lycrow: Nope. No idea what other name I'm going to use.
Remzal Von Enili: Glad you liked the chapter!
FlameFireZero X: Ok, thanks! I will think about it.
And Happy holidays to you as well.
For'Sleep 3rd: Glad you liked the chapter! Thanks for your input.
As soon as I finish covering everything that needs to be discussed at Steinbelt Manor, I will go back to focus on the other Kamen Riders. Starting with Kaito/Lupin.
#2nd review: I don't plan to let Melissa stay in the US or at I-Island because Roidmude activity will still have a focus on Japan, making her presence there necessary for the extra help she can provide to the Drive Team.
I will go with the idea that the Roidmudes will not have a focus on the other countries because they will mainly operate in Japan, not only to have an easier time there getting the necessary 4 Ultimate Evolution Roidmudes but to also especially find a place there in that country to be their 'Promised Land'. I also plan to go with the idea that if they attack other countries, besides Japan, that will mean more enemies for them to deal with, in the long run, in the form of foreign heroes and military forces that might try coming to Japan to help the good guys and complicate things for them.
Therefore, because of things like politics and bureaucracy, other heroes will not be able to easily come to Japan, through legal ways, to help in the fight against the Roidmudes, which will make things easier for the Roidmudes overall. And because of that, I still have no idea when I plan to Cathleen Bate/Star and Stripe in this story, nor if I will go with the idea that a Roidmude manages to copy her [New Order] Quirk and use it for evil.
Yukari? Are you talking about Yuriko? If so, then I'm still thinking about the idea of what unique skill I should give her, just like how I gave Yuuki [Imagine Breaker].
I still have no absolute idea about what Worm is all about since I still haven't checked it out. I only understood that those 'powers/skills' you mentioned came from it.
Zx: Yes.
SynchroRegis: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
The Disquieting One: Yes.
silverstudent: Yeah, I can see something like that happening in the future.
Kurogami Yaiba: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Toa Solaric: Yep. No need for an ass-kicking. Hope you liked the chapter.
ppyae361999: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
TheOkWriter: Maybe. Not sure about the point of doing that.
jetslinger333: Ok, thanks for your input. I will try to make use of these ideas later in my story if possible.
Stronger: Huh? I got a bit confused about what you tried to say. Are you saying that the title of Kamen is both a gift and a curse? If so, then yes. What did you mean by 'Tackle'?
TheRealD3lph0xL0v3r: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
XenonKirito: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter! But I don't see yet the point of talking about the other Kamen Riders besides the ones involved in the Drive Series.
Recentreader325: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Austin: Hope you liked the chapter.
I'm thinking about eventually doing something like a computer virus that could prove to be fatal for all the Roidmudes. Not sure yet about how I should begin this idea though.
Of course, Krim/Belt-san will later give equipment to help the Pro Heroes and Law Enforcement stand a better chance against the Roidmudes. Just not so soon.
You too, stay safe and healthy. Happy Holidays to you as well!
Farhan Nugraha: I supposed you also understood that the Special War Powers idea came from Bleach, right? To be honest, I have no idea if I will add more people to the list. It's not like I said that there would be exactly five of them.
Yes, I'm a Toaru Majutsu no Index fan. I even explained in the author's note, at the end of the previous chapter, how I took inspiration from it and liked the idea of Kamijo Touma's [Imagine Breaker].
kamenrider50q: No idea when I will update that story again. Hope you liked the chapter.
DawnYugo: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter!
Ultra Bro: Yeah. Hope you liked the chapter.
moniura2005: Thanks! Glad you liked the chapter. Sure, I will let them know more about the other Kamen Riders. Just don't know yet when and how.
So, what do you guys think? Please give me some reviews if possible.
If you are interested, please go check my other stories.
Also, thanks to everybody that followed, favorited the story and gave reviews.
See You Next Time