It was another long day, another long fight, and the heroes were exhausted. Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, aka Wild Tiger, was especially exhausted and starving. He hadn't eaten all day. Thankfully, Kotetsu wasn't severely injured, only a few minor cuts and bruises, so he didn't have to worry about seeking medical attention. It's not like he would even if he was severely injured anyway. While his partner, Barnaby Brooks Jr., was being interviewed by the reporters, and the other heroes were distracted, cleaning up the debris and helping injured victims. Kotetsu took this an opportunity to sneak off and find something to eat. As Kotetsu wandered, he noticed a food truck parked beside an alleyway. He wasn't in the mood for fast food, but he'd take what he could get. He took a crumpled five dollar bill out his pocket and made his way over the truck. Once close enough, he analyzed the menu and the prices, when suddenly, he heard a strange sound in the alleyway. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, and he got a strange feeling. Kotetsu, being the hero he is, thought something was wrong and, of course, wanted to help. He called out.
"Hello, anybody there?"
No response...
That intrigued him, so he decided to investigate. Kotetsu quickly ran down the alley, his eyes scanning the dimly lit pathway when he noticed a man at the end. Staring at the wall...
"Hey, you alright?"
Kotetsu asked as he cautiously and slowly approached the man. The man didn't respond, making Kotetsu raise an eyebrow. What's wrong with this guy? He thought. Despite his rising suspicion, Kotetsu places his hand on the man's shoulder to try and get a response. To his suprise, the man slowly turns around, revealing a sinister grin on his face that sends a shiver down Kotetsu's spine. As Kotetsu backs away from the man, he suddenly feels a sharp jab in his neck, and before he could react, his body falls limp on the cold, hard ground. Unable to move, he tries to activate his NEXT power, but it doesn't work, causing Kotetsu to panic. Another man emerges from the shadows, wearing a strange mask and holding a now empty syringe. He stands over Kotetsu, staring down at the pitiful display. Kotetsu tries to let out a scream for help, but nothing comes out, and he feels himself getting dizzy. Before he knows it, he's unconscious.