Hey, everyone!
Welcome to chapter 41 of My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive.
Hope you guys enjoy it!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Belt-san/Kamen Rider System]
"Super Moves!"
{Television}
"To return it to where it is supposed to be... To how it is meant to be..."
- The Dark Fool's lament -
Before the Kamen Riders could truly relax and call it a day, the air around them suddenly distorted.
A swirling black void materialized a few meters away, crackling with dark energy. The very presence of the portal sent a wave of unease through both OverDrive and Tracer, their instincts immediately flaring up.
From within the abyss—
A figure emerged.
His massive frame stepped into the light, revealing thick, crimson armor that gleamed under the sun, it being of the same tone used by the Fusion Evolved Roidmudes. His arms were bulkier, having morphed to gigantic proportions while growing large extensions beyond his shoulders. The body was layered with reinforced plating, while his torso, arms and legs bore five jagged Plain Type Roidmudes' chest plates, arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet defensive formation. The Riders noted that the arms each had extensions contains an exhaust spout that releases flames when this being is charging up an attack.
His glowing yellow optics locked onto the Riders.
This was an upgraded Neo Crush Roidmude.
But something else about him was different.
Tracer narrowed her eyes.
"What the hell...?"
OverDrive tensed, gripping the handle of his weapon.
"This isn't the same Crush from before… He seems to have underwent some sort of body modification."
[The crimson colored body is a signal that Crush made a Fusion Evolution with a human... But this something about his form feels off in comparison to the other ones.] Belt-san notes as he adopts a serious emoji.
The Roidmude let out a deep, rumbling growl, his massive fingers cracking like boulders as he clenched his fists.
"Finally…" his voice boomed, deeper and more menacing than before.
"I get to crush you Riders for good."
Crush let out a deep, guttural chuckle as he thought about 074.
Rather than mourning his fallen lackey, the crimson Roidmude merely sneered.
"Tch… 074, that dumbass got himself quickly killed again." His voice dripped with disgust.
He crossed his thick arms, his reinforced plating clanking against itself.
"You were given a second life," The evil android scoffed, kicking a pebble aside like discarded trash. "Upgraded. Enhanced. Given power beyond what you ever deserved. And this is what you do with it? You let yourself get scrapped by these weak flesh bags?"
He spat on the ground, shaking his head.
"What a waste. You were always a spineless little rat, but I thought maybe, just maybe, you'd finally amount to something." His optics burned with scorn. "Turns out, you're just an incompetent weakling—with or without our fancy new mods."
OverDrive's grip on his weapon tightened.
"You really don't give a damn about your own kind, do you?"
Crush let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"Why should I? Only the strong matter. And right now…" He cracked his knuckles, his crimson armor gleaming under the sun.
"I'm the strongest one here."
Before OverDrive or Tracer could make a move, a sudden gust of wind swept through the battlefield, followed by the thundering impact of heavy boots striking the pavement.
"That's far enough!"
A powerful, commanding voice rang out as a group of Pro Heroes arrived on the scene.
Leading the charge was Gang Orca, his imposing figure radiating authority as his red eyes locked onto Crush. Behind him, a mix of well-known heroes stood at the ready:
Best Jeanist – his coat flowing behind him as strands of reinforced denim twitched, ready to bind their mechanical foe.
Edgeshot – his body subtly shifting, prepared to strike in an instant.
Fourth Kind – cracking his four knuckles, his form being ready to punch things.
Selkie – crouched with sharp eyes, his aquatic instincts scanning Crush's stance.
And a few others..
"Man, what a mess," Mr. Brave muttered, rolling his shoulders. "What happened here?"
Best Jeanist narrowed his eyes.
"The Kamen Riders and the mysterious Villains they fight... This is a serious threat."
Gang Orca stepped forward, his deep voice filled with authority.
"Kamen Riders. Stand down." His crimson gaze flickered between OverDrive and Tracer. "This is now a Pro Hero operation."
Tracer paled, fearing the worst.
"Wait, don't try to fight him, everyone. Please!"
OverDrive, however, remained silent, his eyes locked onto Crush. The crimson-armored Roidmude merely let out a dark chuckle, completely unfazed by the sudden arrival of so many powerful heroes.
He rolled his shoulders, letting the plates on his massive arms grind together with a metallic scrape.
"Awww, look at that," Crush taunted, his voice dripping with amusement. "A bunch of humans think they can stop me. How cute."
His optics gleamed with malice.
"Let's see you try."
Before the Kamen Riders could make a move, a series of dark portals tore open around the battlefield, and from them emerged dozens of Reaper Legion Units.
The air filled with the mechanical screeching of the Reapers as they immediately lunged toward the Riders, cutting them off from the battle.
OverDrive and Tracer's instincts kicked in immediately.
"Damn it! Get out of the wat!" Tracer growled, flipping back as a Reaper's bladed arm slashed at where she stood seconds before.
OverDrive cursed under his breath as he parried a strike, smashing his fist into a Reaper's chest and sending it flying. But there were too many of them.
"Forget Crush! These things will tear through civilians if we don't hold them back!" OverDrive shouted to Tracer.
"Tch! Fine!" Tracer begrudgingly agreed, roundhouse-kicking a Reaper's head clean off.
Meanwhile, Gang Orca and the others focused on Crush.
"Heroes! Engage!" Gang Orca roared.
The battlefield erupted into chaos.
Best Jeanist flicked his wrist, sending his reinforced denim fibers toward Crush, attempting to restrain him.
Fourth Kind prepared to unleash consecutive punches on the Roidmude.
Edgeshot disappeared into thin air, waiting for an opening.
But as the attacks closed in—
Crush laughed.
His body glowed ominously, and with a single violent burst of dark energy, he shattered the incoming fibers and tendrils as if they were nothing.
"Weak."
"MY TURN!" Crush bellowed.
As he raised his arms, a thick, inky-black miasma erupted from his crimson body, spreading out like a suffocating storm.
The moment it touched the Pro Heroes—
They all collapsed.
"Ghhk!" Fourth Kind clutched his throat as his entire body suddenly felt ten times heavier. His powerful arms trembled like frail twigs.
Gang Orca dropped to a knee, struggling to even breathe as a suffocating weight pressed on his chest.
Mr. Brave, Best Jeanist, Selkie—all of them fell one by one, their bodies wracked with nausea and weakness.
Another Pro Hero, Air Jet, cries in horror as his eyes widened in realization.
"My— my Quirk isn't working!"
Best Jeanist clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay conscious.
"I… can't control my fibers…?!"
Crush laughed, watching them writhe on the ground.
"Pathetic." He sneered. "I expected more from 'Pro Heroes.'"
A massive shockwave erupted from his body, sending all the Pro Heroes flying backward, crashing through cars, walls and buildings.
Gang Orca growled, slowly getting back to his feet.
'Damn... We underestimated him...'
Crush stomped forward, his massive crimson form towering over them.
"In the end…" he said, cracking his bulky knuckles. "You're just puny humans! Hahaha"
From the distance, Drive stiffened, his mind racing.
That dark mist—
The way it weakened everyone in its reach—
It was too familiar.
Terminus.
This ability was just like [Darkness].
"No way…" OverDrive muttered under his breath, his fists clenching. "That can't be a coincidence…"
[I can scan a similar energy reading to Terminus coming from Crush's body, Yuuki.] Belt-san warns his Operator.
But before he could process it further, Crush turned to him with a wide grin.
"Now then, Kamen Riders…" Crush cracked his knuckles, black sparks of energy coursing through his body.
"Let's see if you can survive."
Before OverDrive or Tracer could make a move, a chilling sound echoed through the battlefield.
Desperate cries of anguish.
Not from the fallen heroes or the bystanders watching in terror—
But from Crush himself.
More specifically, from the chestplates embedded in his fusion-evolved body.
The anguished, desperate cries of multiple people resonated from within him.
[Help…!]
[Let us go!]
[It hurts… it hurts so much!]
[Please, make it stop!]
[No more! Gyahhhh…!]
Drive and Tracer's eyes widened in shock and horror.
Taking a closer look, the chestplates shifted, as if something—or someone—was struggling within them.
"Wait… those voices—?!" Tracer gasped.
OverDrive narrowed his eyes.
"They're… the people Crush fused with."
To think the Roidmudes would upgrade to find themselves able to fuse with more than one human at the same time…
However, it wasn't hard to piece together the current issue...
These weren't willing fusions.
They had been forced into Crush's body.
"Hahaha! What's with those looks on your faces?!" Crush cackled, stretching his arms wide as the screams from his body grew louder. "Oh, don't mind them. They're just… unwilling passengers!"
Tracer felt her blood boil.
"You bastard…!" She growled, her hands tightening into fists.
Crush grinned, unbothered by the hatred in the Rider's voice.
"They were too weak to be of use alone, so I made them part of something greater." He pounded his chest, causing the screams to intensify in agony. "Now, they'll live on forever— as pieces of my new, stronger self!"
"You monster!" Tracer snapped, her armor flaring with energy.
Crush just laughed again, tilting his head.
"Monster? Please." His glowing red eyes focused on the Riders. "If you wanna 'save' them so badly…"
He raised his massive arms, dark energy crackling around his fists.
"Then come and try!"
Pulling out their weapons, the two Riders charged towards the abomination.
[Turn! Drift Kaiten!]
[Zenrin!]
[Charge!]
*Slash!* *Slash!*
*Bang!*
Using their respective weapons, OverDrive and Tracer damage Crush's body as they relentlessly attack him, leaving injuries all across his bulky form.
However…
*Flash!*
One of the chest plates on Crush's body begins to glow as all his wounds are slowly healed, completely healing him, much to the vigilantes' shock.
"Ha!" The Roidmude mocks them.
Then, a different chestplate glows as he uses his right foot to stomp on the ground, causing a local earthquake around the area.
The ground trembled violently beneath them as Crush's foot slammed down, sending shockwaves rippling through the area. The streets cracked apart, and nearby buildings shuddered under the force of the localized earthquake.
"Tch! Move!" OverDrive shouted as he leaped backward, narrowly avoiding a jagged fissure that split the pavement beneath him.
Tracer flipped midair, landing gracefully a few meters away. She gritted her teeth, glaring at their foe.
"So he can regenerate and use different abilities based on those plates?!" she muttered in frustration. "And he still has three others of them. Each one probably related to the people he fused with. Maybe it's an ability he got by forcefully using their Quirks in this state."
OverDrive clenched his fists.
"We can't just attack blindly. We need to figure out which plate grants which power."
[I'm on it!] Belt-san says as he keeps scanning their enemy.
Crush grinned, stretching his arms.
"Oh? You think you've got me all figured out?"
Another chestplate flared to life.
A powerful gust of wind suddenly surged outward, catching both Riders off guard as they were blasted backward by the sheer force.
Tracer dug her blade into the ground, using it as an anchor to stop herself from being flung away. OverDrive skidded across the cracked street, stabilizing himself just in time.
"Shit, this guy's packing a whole arsenal!" Tracer spat.
"Then we just have to break through it!" OverDrive declared, twirling around his Handle-Ken as he charged forward.
Tracer followed suit, her weapon glowing as she prepared for another strike.
As she closed the distance, her fist drew back, ready to land a devastating blow to Crush's face.
But just as she was about to strike—
FWOOOOOSH!
Crush's mouth snapped open, unleashing a blinding blue energy beam straight at her.
"Wha—?!"
*Boom!*
Before she could react, the blast engulfed her, sending her soaring through the air like a ragdoll before she violently crashed into the side of a wrecked bus, the impact bending the metal inward.
*Crash!*
"Tracer!" OverDrive called out, eyes widening behind his helmet.
A trail of smoke sizzled off Tracer's armor as she slumped forward, stunned by the sudden attack. The force of the blast had left cracks on her suit, sparks flickering from damaged circuits.
Crush chuckled, rolling his shoulders.
"Heh… You recognize that one, don't ya, Kamen Rider?"
OverDrive's hands clenched into fists as he stared at the faintly glowing chestplate that had just activated. His mind raced.
That attack—it was the same as Malware's laser beam.
This was no longer a coincidence, given the earlier usage of a power similar to that of Terminus.
"Tch… So you can also use the Executives' abilities…!" The masked detective muttered, his stance lowering into a fighting position.
Crush simply grinned.
"What's wrong? Scared? I told ya—I'll tank whatever you throw at me!"
With that, another chestplate gleamed, signaling another devastating attack was incoming.
As Crush's chestplate continued to glow, a sinister aura building up around his frame—
"RAAAAH!"
A loud roar cut through the tension.
From the chaos, Fourth Kind surged forward, having somehow shaken off the effects of the dark miasma that had downed the other pro heroes earlier.
"I won't let you harm anyone else!" he bellowed, charging at Crush with all four fists clenched.
The veteran hero launched a flurry of rapid punches, aiming for Crush's core, his limbs moving like pistons—one, two, three, four—repeat! Each hit slammed against Crush's armored body with explosive force…
Only for the momentum to stop cold.
*Crack!*
*Crack!*
*CRACK!*
A sickening series of noises echoed as Fourth Kind's fists gave out before Crush's armor did.
His knuckles split. Bones shattered. His eyes widened in disbelief and pain as he realized the Roidmude's body wasn't just armored—it was monstrous.
Unbreakable to the average Pro Hero.
"AAAAAGH!" he cried out, stumbling back, all four arms hanging uselessly, bent and broken.
Crush's sadistic grin widened.
"What, that's it? You really thought your pathetic fists would work on me?"
Before anyone could stop him, Crush grabbed the screaming hero by two of his broken arms, gripping tightly.
"You heroes are all the same. Weak. Predictable. Disposable. Haha!"
*Riiip!*
With a brutal heave, he ripped the two limbs open, a sickening tear echoing out as flesh and bone were forcibly separated. Blood gushed out in arcs, coating Crush's arms and the ground below.
Fourth Kind's agonized scream tore through the battlefield, raw and helpless.
Everyone stood in stunned horror.
Crush casually tossed the bloodied limbs aside like scraps, then dropped the writhing hero to the ground like discarded trash.
"Not so heroic now, huh?" Crush taunted, shaking blood from his fingers.
The battlefield had fallen into a grim silence—only broken by Fourth Kind's weak groans and the sound of Crush's slow, taunting footsteps.
Tracer, still struggling to her feet, clenched her teeth behind her visor.
"This guy… he's beyond just evil. He's a damn monster!"
OverDrive's fists trembled—rage boiling beneath the surface.
"This ends now…!"
But before either OverDrive or Tracer could leap back into the fray, their advance was suddenly halted by a loud voice that came from the Drive Driver.
[Stop!]
Huh?
[You two, Stand down! Neither of you currently have the means to defeat right now. I just finished scanning him.] The talking device warned, urgency heavy in his tone.
OverDrive turned his head slightly, fists still clenched.
"You saw what he did, Belt-san. He tore that man apart! If we don't stop him now, more will—"
[I understand, Yuuki! But you cannot win in your current state!] The belt interrupted firmly. [His regeneration and other Quirk-based abilities are far beyond anything you've prepared for. If you push forward recklessly, you'll both be killed.]
Tracer growled under her breath, punching a nearby street lamp in frustration, denting the metal.
"So what do we do? Just run away? Let him keep tearing through people like that?"
[I am not telling you to abandon the fight forever. I'm telling you to retreat—strategically. Take the injured heroes with you. Regroup. Recalibrate. And survive, so you can fight back smarter.]
Both Riders hated the idea.
Every fiber of their being screamed to strike down the Roidmude where he stood. But they also knew Krim wasn't one to panic or bluff—if he said they couldn't win, he had good reason.
Before they could make the painful decision…
Crush let out a strange, pained grunt.
"Ugh… what…?"
He dropped to one knee.
Sparks erupted across his body as his limbs began to twitch erratically. His eyes flickered, red light faltering. The ominous chestplates pulsed uncontrollably, as though their energy was malfunctioning. His breath grew heavy and labored.
Huh?
Tracer narrowed her eyes.
"Is he… breaking down?"
OverDrive stared at the scene, half-expecting a trap.
"Or something else…"
Just then, a dark portal opened beside the twitching Crush, the familiar hum of Roidmude teleportation energy swirling out.
From it stepped Roidmude 009 in her human form.
Her eyes scanned the battlefield coldly before falling on Crush.
"Tch… so the fusion process wasn't perfect after all."
She walked up to her kneeling comrade, showing no real concern.
"Honestly, I expected more from you. All those lives, and you're still this… unstable."
Crush growled lowly.
"S-Shut up… I was winning… they couldn't touch me…"
"And yet here you are. Glitching like a broken toy." 009 crouched slightly beside him, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're not ready to fight the Riders yet—not like this. Come. We'll fix you."
*Pow!*
009 barely had time to register it before a punch connected with her face, sending her skidding back a few meters across the cracked pavement. Her coat fluttered in the aftermath, and she slowly turned to glare at him with narrowed golden eyes.
"So… you will be my plaything today." she muttered, brushing dust from her face. "Very well. I'll indulge your ego."
OverDrive didn't wait for another word—he lunged again, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks, each one aimed to prevent her from moving on with Crush. Sparks flew as her arms clashed against his fists, each hit echoing through the ruins of the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Tracer took the opportunity.
She sprinted toward the injured Pro Heroes, her damaged armor groaning with every movement.
"Hang in there, all of you," she muttered as she reached Fourth Kind's mangled body first. She quickly activated her suit's first aid system to stabilize his condition just enough to stop the bleeding. "You're not dying on my watch."
One by one, she made her way to Kamui Woods, Mt. Lady, Death Arms, and the others—all still weak from the miasma, but alive. She let out a sharp breath as she progressed.
Back in the middle of the chaos, OverDrive and 009 were locked in a vicious dance of speed and technique. 009's strikes were surgical, meant to kill. OverDrive's were fueled by resolve, meant to delay.
009 narrowed her eyes mid-fight.
"You think this will change anything? You're only wasting time. When we return… no one will be left to stand."
The detective gritted his teeth, blocking a kick with his forearm.
"Lady, you give me the creeps."
The Executive's grin only widens at this.
[Watch out, Yuuki! She still seems to be hiding a few tricks under her sleeve.] Belt-san tells his partner.
Tracer carefully positioned the last of the injured Pro Heroes in a safe circle, applying first aid on the injured.
Fourth Kind was still barely conscious, groaning from his torn limbs, while the others—Kamui Woods, Death Arms, Mt. Lady—were regaining minimal awareness.
Time was running out.
Using her Signal Bike's abilities, Tracer pulled out a trio of compact smoke grenades, flicked their pins with mechanical precision, and lobbed them around their position.
*Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!*
The grenades hissed and burst open, releasing a thick, swirling cloud of white-gray smoke that enveloped Tracer and the injured heroes in an instant.
Once the smoke dispersed, their group was gone.
From the battlefield, OverDrive caught a glimpse of the smoke blooming across the ground. He immediately understood.
'Good job, Yuriko.' The vigilante muttered under his breath, turning his focus back to the Roidmudes.
[Let's go! It's our turn!] Belt-san advises his Operator.
"Right!" Drive agreed.
009 narrowed her eyes and prepared to advance—only for Drive to pull out Shift Burning Solar.
In his right hand, he tightly gripped the Blade Gunner, still glowing faintly from the last exchange. With a smooth, practiced motion, he slid the Shift Car along the length of the weapon's blade.
*Flash!*
The blade surged with blinding solar light, a radiant flash erupting from it like a second sun.
009 and Crush shielded their eyes as they staggered back. The battlefield was consumed by brilliant orange-gold radiance, turning everything into blurs of flame and light.
Seconds passed. The light dimmed.
And Drive… was gone.
009's eyes widened, searching frantically through the dispersing light and smoke.
Nothing.
"…Hmph," she muttered, folding her arms in annoyance. "Just when things were starting to get interesting."
She turned toward Crush, who was still kneeling and sparking from overuse of his fused body.
"Fine," she said with a sigh. "Let's go back to the lab. We'll work on some final adjustments. You need… refinement."
Crush, still panting, chuckled darkly.
"Heh… Let them run. Let them heal. I want them strong when I crush them for good."
With that, 009 tapped a control module on her wrist.
A dark portal shimmered open behind them.
The two Roidmudes stepped into the void and vanished—leaving only devastation, scorch marks, and the heavy stench of smoke behind.
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 41: Duel of Fates
Hours later…
Nighttime
Musutafu City Police Department – Special Operations Conference Room
The quiet hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as a digital projection of the ruined city block—where the Roidmude incident took place—illuminated the front wall of the room. Damage reports, satellite feeds, and scattered footage from civilian devices flickered onscreen.
Yuuki was now back in his detective clothes but still bearing faint bruises from the earlier battle, stood at one end of the table, arms crossed.
Yuriko sat beside him, her looks revealing smaller bruises and slight burns along her arms from Crush's earlier blast. Her eyes were sharp, scanning the data restlessly.
Across from them sat Detective Tsukauchi, the calm yet stern presence anchoring the room. Beside him, Chief Tsuragamae rubbed his forehead, the pressure clearly weighing on him.
Also seated around the large oval table were select Pro Heroes—those they trusted within their inner circle and who had been partially briefed on the truth about the Roidmudes:
Nezu, Toshinori (in his frail form and wearing a suit), Eraserhead, Ingenium, Mirko and Ryukyu.
On the screen behind them, an image of Neo Crush Roidmude loomed. The grotesque, modified form with five chestplates stood frozen mid-attack, captured by one of the Shift Cars.
Naomasa cleared his throat and began,
"Based on what we've analyzed, this wasn't just a coordinated assault—it was a test. They were field-testing this new… abomination."
Yuriko muttered bitterly,
"And he passed that test. Barely took any damage. Regenerated everything like it was nothing."
Yuuki added,
"His powers weren't just about strength. That dark miasma that nullifies Quirks—it was similar to what we saw from Terminus. Almost exactly like it. Aside from that, it seems the Roidmudes learned how to make them fuse with more than one human host."
Kenji nodded grimly.
"Which means this could be a new level of Fusion Evolutionm for them. If they're splicing Roidmudes with unwilling humans and Terminus' signature [Darkness], we're looking at a whole new type of threat."
Mirko clenched her jaw.
"And we can't even lay a finger on him."
Yuriko, lowering her gaze slightly, added,
"He shot me at point blank with Malware's laser. I barely got up."
Naomasa turned to her, his expression softening.
"But you did get up. And you saved everyone. That's what matters."
Indeed, Tracer rescued all the Pro Heroes that got injured during 074 and Crush's attack.
They are all recovering at the hospital. However, the only one who would have to give up on their career as Pro Hero would be Fourth Kind since the damage he took was so intense that no surgery or mechanical implements would make him recover his lost arms.
"The problem is… next time? He won't be holding back. And we don't have the tools yet to counter his regeneration or power scaling." Toshinori comments, scratching his left cheek with a troubled expression.
"No, Krim is already working on it." Yuuki replies, much to everyone else's shock. "He figured a solution for the problem. He is back at the Drive Pit with Melissa, Mei and the others, upgrading our weapons."
Meanwhile, at the same time…
Steinbelt Manor - Drive Pit
With the help of Melissa, Mei and the three good Roidmudes, Krim was currently working on upgrading some of the Shift Cars at the disposal: Shift Allmobile, Shift Technique, Shift Next Builder, Shift Speed Wild Technique and the NEXTridoron Key, despite the last item not being a Shift Car like the others it still works on the same principles as them.
Krim was currently working on a terminal as he was checking some notes on a previously defeated Roidmude.
"Roidmude 067. A Roidmude that managed to fusion-evolve into the Open Roidmude after fusing with a criminal known as Negishi Itsuro. This is something that happened in your previous world, right? Professor?" Melissa asked him after checking the notes that he was reading.
"Exactly, Melissa."
"But why are you checking this guy?" Mei asks next. "How is this supposed to help, Shishou?"
"Well, it's because I was able to gather an interesting data over a certain weapon that 067 created when he became the Open Roidmude." Krim answer before conjuring a holographic screen that shows said weapon.
It seemed to be a red key with a blue circular gem inside of it. This was the weapon that the Open Roidmude once used to fight Kamen Rider Drive.
The Common Master Key.
XXXXXXX
Common Master Key
A small red key, it allows Open Roidmude to open multiple locks and other openers, which allows him to use as a weapon in battles effectively.
Telekinesis: By calling out "Open!", Open Roidmude can use his hands to telepathically control the opening of singular locks and openers, it once robbed Type Speed Hunter's greatest tool and clipping Drive's usage of the Door-Ju.
Chain Binding and Locking: By calling out "Opposite of open!", Open Roidmude can also generate chains which bind the target and lock them in place.
XXXXXXX
"A key that can open anything…" Melissa speaks before turning to Krim. "Are you trying to create a new Shift Car with said ability?"
"Not exactly, Melissa." The old scientist replies. "I plan to update some of the Shift Cars with the Common Master Key's abilities to open and lock anything it comes into contact with. I managed to record some data from the Open Roidmude. To think it would come handy in a moment like this."
"I see now." Mei spoke as she understands where this is going. "You are going to give those four Shift Cars here and the NEXTridoron Key some updates so that they can do similar stuff as the Common Master Key on Crush's body."
She says while pointing to the five specific items.
Krim nods at this.
"Precisely, Mei."
"How exactly are they going to work against him?" Melissa asks.
"Simple, they will be used to unlock the 'seals' that Crush has over the people he forcibly fused with." Steinbelt says first. "By freeing the people he has fused with, we can weaken Crush while also removing some of those troublesome abilities he gained after fusing with humans. There is no other way, we can't separate the hosts the same way we used to in my old world."
"I see."
The girls nod at the explanation.
"So once we are done you, Melissa and the others will be able to kick that guy's ass, right?" Mei confidently asks her mentor with a relieved smile.
"Not exactly." Krim replies, earning confused looks from the teens.
"Huh?"
Back with Yuuki and the others...
"What do you mean you still can't beat Crush?" Ryuko asks Yuuki.
At the same time, the vigilante detective just finished explaining to everyone about what Krim was planning to do with the Common Master Key's data.
"As you know, only Kamen Riders can safely separate Fusion Evolved Roidmudes from their hosts without killing the people they are bonded with." Yuuki reminds everyone.
"Yes, we are aware." Aizawa replies. "Where's the issue?"
"It's because we actually need five Kamen Riders for this."
"What!?" Everyone, sans Yuriko and a startled Kenji, cried in disbelief.
"Why? Why do you need five Kamen Riders?" Ingenium asked the cop.
Yuuki turns to the projection of Neo Crush, pointing to the five fusion-evolved plates scattered across his body.
"It seems the five people Crush has fused with are mutually linked." He explains. "We can only separate them from him if we press the Shift Cars and the NEXTridoron Key at the same time against these plates. However, this can only be done by five Kamen Riders."
Most in the room began to despair over this.
"What are going to do? We only have three Kamen Riders." Naomasa comments with a grim expression as he thinks only about Yuuki, Yuriko and Melissa.
"Technically, we already have four." Yuriko reveals.
"Huh, what do you mean, Shijima?" The older man asks his kouhai.
Yuriko and Yuuki then reveal how Krim can transform into Type Next without the latter, a function that the Dark Drive from 2035 of the old world displayed. In the meanwhile, Yuuki could use the Mach Driver and the NEXTridoron Key to become Counter Drive.
"I see. However, that still doesn't solve the issue that we still need one more Kamen Rider." Nezu points.
"Where are we going to find someone that can help us?" Kenji wonders, feeling dejected.
The others become frustrated at this as none of them knew about a Quirkless person that could instantly become a Kamen Rider.
Everyone except Yuuki, that is...
"Actually, I know a certain someone." The detective cryptically spoke with a knowing look, earning confused looks from the others.
Location: Unknown – Underground Roidmude Laboratory
The lab was like a nightmare carved into metal and wires.
Faint, flickering crimson lights bathed the walls, casting long, twitching shadows of jagged tools and surgical arms mounted to the ceiling like a grotesque spider's web. Sharp, multi-pronged claws hung from mechanical limbs—stained with old, dried blood and synthetic fluid. Dozens of broken monitors blinked erratically, their screens filled with corrupted code, heartbeat graphs, and DNA strand simulations, spliced with unidentified quirk data.
Against the back wall stood cracked stasis tanks—some shattered, some still filled with murky green fluid—each containing what looked like distorted human remains partially fused with machine parts. Wires pierced their skin, their mouths frozen mid-scream, their eyes blind and dull.
One tank still had fingers twitching against the glass… barely alive.
Surgical tables littered the room, covered in restraints, dried fluids, and rusting bone saws, syringes the size of forearms, and tubes feeding into unknown organs kept in jars.
At the center of this cold, monstrous lair, Neo Crush Roidmude lay upon a reinforced operation table, now powered down and motionless. His chestplates remained intact, though a few of them seemed to twitch—slight flashes of pain and resistance echoing within them.
Standing over him, adjusting dials and inserting data chips into his core interface, was Another Drive.
Clad in his warped, corrupted version of the Drive armor, Another Drive's hands moved with clinical precision—plunging surgical needles into Crush's spinal conduits, realigning torn bio-circuits, and feeding him energy to charge his bulky body.
In one corner of the room stood 009, her arms crossed, silently observing.
Another Drive muttered with satisfaction,
"His body nearly rejected Terminus' [Darkness]. But… it endured. Impressive. The fusion of unwilling hosts added more resistance than expected. But he will adapt… and hopefully evolve."
He adjusted one more dial, causing a painful electric shock to pulse through Crush's limbs. The body jolted. One of the human voices inside a chestplate cried out again—muffled, weak, but filled with agony.
009, voice low and sharp, asked,
"Is the next phase ready?"
Another Drive smirked under his helmet.
"After one final calibration. I'll amplify his regeneration further and reroute the core override system. He won't just be a juggernaut. He'll be a walking apocalypse."
As the lab's central monitor displayed fluctuating vitals and unstable energy levels, Another Drive placed his palm over Crush's core.
"Let's finish turning you into a god of death."
The hum of dark energy intensified, and sparks of violet lightning danced across the metal walls.
The steel doors of the lab hissed open with a hydraulic wheeze, allowing two figures to step inside—both walking with a calm confidence that immediately shifted the energy of the room.
It was Terminus and Malware, in their human forms, who entered the room to check the scientist's progress.
Another Drive didn't even glance up from his work at first. He simply muttered as he adjusted one of the bio-sync regulators on Crush's arm,
"You're just in time. I was about to trigger the stabilization protocol on his fused core."
He finally turned to them, synthetic eyes behind his visor flashing red.
"I should thank you both," he said with what could almost be considered a respectful nod. "Your cooperation in sharing data on your abilities has allowed me to replicate [Darkness] and [Laser Break]'s properties within Crush's upgraded systems. The results have been… fascinating."
Malware, arms crossed, didn't even blink. His tone was deadpan, flat.
"As long as the output is stable and controllable, I don't care how you use it. Our goals remain aligned… for now."
But Terminus scoffed loudly, rolling his neck until a loud crack echoed through the chamber.
"Tch. Copying powers? That's for weaklings." He walked over to the operation table, looking down at Crush with narrowed eyes. "Each of us should fight, break, evolve, and dominate in our own way. Not through shortcuts. I only went along with this because of His Majesty's orders."
His eyes glinted with disdain.
"If he needs our strength to be strong, then he's already unworthy."
Another Drive didn't flinch.
"You misunderstand, Terminus. I'm not giving him your strength. I'm making him worthy of representing us."
Terminus let out a dry chuckle.
"Then he better get a lot stronger. Or he'll die like the rest."
Crackles of dark energy rippled across his forearm for a moment before subsiding.
009, still in the corner, finally spoke up, tone calm but commanding.
"That's enough."
Both Executives turned toward her.
"Whether he earns the strength or borrows it, what matters is that he fulfills his mission. Victory is all that matters."
Malware gave a short nod.
"Results. Always."
Terminus didn't argue—but his smirk stayed.
"Fine. But when he's ready… I want to test him myself."
Another Drive tapped a few keys, watching Crush's vitals stabilize on the screen.
"Soon. Very soon. He's evolving… faster than any of us predicted."
The lab returned to its eerie hum. In the center of it all, the Roidmude on the table twitched—faintly, but undeniably alive.
Another Drive stood over the still form of the Neo Crush Roidmude, his gaze gleaming with dark satisfaction as he tapped away on a nearby console.
Wires pulsed with corrupt data. Chambers bubbled with organic fluids. Discarded prosthetics, failed bio-augmentations, and twisted mockeries of human limbs hung from rusted hooks nearby. A mechanical spine floated in a glass tank, twitching as if it remembered pain. The low hum of the machinery was occasionally broken by the quiet groans of still-living "test subjects" — the unwilling sources of Crush's new upgrades.
Amidst this horrific lab, Another Drive let out a chuckle — something that sounded almost human, but rang with synthetic undertones.
"Fascinating... Truly fascinating," he mused aloud, his voice modulating subtly as he spoke. "All of this... this chaos, evolution, resistance — such a thrilling experiment."
He turned his back to the console and faced 009, Malware and Terminus once again, lifting both arms.
"You know," he continued, "none of this would have been possible without a proper foundation."
Suddenly, his form flickered — bzzzt! — and his body shifted, his synthetic frame morphing rapidly until he stood as David Shield, the well-known genius scientist once admired worldwide. His voice changed too, now smooth and familiar.
"Thanks to this man's archived research on Quirks and his collaboration with All Might, I gained access to countless theories and mechanisms. Even his work on support items helped refine the physical strain tolerance on Roidmude frames."
Then, with another sharp flash of distortion, his body twisted again — this time morphing into the decrepit form of Doctor Garaki Kyudai, the infamous mastermind behind the Nomus and much of All for One's research.
"And of course... dear Kyudai," he hissed, his voice hoarse and wheezing to match. "What a treasure trove of grotesque genius. The Nomu blueprints, the Quirk Factors, the Quirk replication frameworks — I learned so much."
He cackled, his eyes glowing sickly red before his body distorted once more, returning to his true monstrous form.
"The humans always think they're creating tools to control power," he said with a sneer. "How foolish of them. Their knowledge ends up becoming ours in the end."
His hand hovered over Crush's chest as the monster began to stir faintly. Sparks crackled along the fused chestplates, the tortured souls inside them letting out soft groans again.
"This... is only the beginning."
Terminus crossed his arms, unimpressed. Malware gave no reaction.
009 merely rolled her eyes at this as she places a hand on her hip.
But the room grew colder.
And darker...
The next day…
Musutafu University Hospital – Early Morning
The sterile scent of disinfectants hung in the air as sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the corridor, casting long golden lines on the tiled floor. Nurses and doctors moved briskly through the hallway, but Akira barely registered them as he stepped out of the elevator, a bouquet of flowers in hand.
His pace slowed the moment he turned the corner and caught sight of a familiar figure standing outside Miho's hospital room.
Yuuki.
The cop Kamen Rider stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall near the door. His expression was unreadable, the kind of calm that somehow always made Akira's blood simmer.
His eyes narrowed, the surprise on his face fading quickly into a scowl. He stopped a few steps short of the detective, his voice low and stiff.
"What do you want now?"
Yuuki didn't move at first, simply watching him with that same quiet look — a mix of seriousness and calm confidence that only made Akira's jaw clench tighter. After a moment, the police officer straightened up and uncrossed his arms.
"Good morning to you too," he said dryly, though there was no trace of sarcasm in his tone. He turned his head slightly toward the room. "I figured you'd be here early. I didn't want to disturb Shibuya-san, so I waited."
Akira's grip tightened slightly on the flowers. His tone hardened.
"If this is about questioning me again, save it. We already went over everything the last time."
Yuuki shook his head slowly.
"No. I'm not here to question you." He glanced at the room again. "I came to check on her... and to speak with you. Alone."
Akira frowned deeper.
"Speak with me?"
Yuuki met his gaze directly.
"Yeah. I'ts about Crush. I'm sure you must have seen the news about what happened yesterday... and what's coming next."
There was a pause. The hallway felt colder somehow — heavier.
Akira stared at him for a long second before sighing, his shoulders dropping slightly.
"...Fine. Let's talk. But not here."
He motioned down the hallway, clearly not wanting anyone to overhear any of it — even through the walls.
Yuuki nodded and fell in step beside him as the two men made their way toward one of the hospital's quieter corners.
The duo found themselves in a quiet waiting lounge down the corridor—far from the nurses, the beeping monitors, and Miho's room.
The morning light seeped through the blinds, casting soft patterns across the floor. Akira leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, expression guarded, while Yuuki stood in front of him, calm but determined.
There was a beat of silence before Yuuki finally spoke.
"We need your help, Chaser."
Akira's eyes narrowed slightly, the stiffness in his posture returning.
"We?" he echoed, already disliking where this was going.
Yuuki nodded.
"You must have seen what happened yesterday. Neo Crush isn't like any Roidmude we've dealt with before. He's a monster beyond what even an army of seasoned Pro Heroes can handle." He paused for emphasis. "And right now, there's no one else who can turn into a Kamen Rider besides me, Tracer and another friend of ours."
His silver eyes looked straight into Akira's lilac ones.
"We need more Kamen Riders to defeat this Roidmude. And you're the only one we can ask."
But Akira's jaw tightened, and he looked away with a bitter scoff.
"Then you're out of luck."
Yuuki blinked, not entirely surprised but still unsettled.
"Why?" he asked, voice calm but curious. "You've fought before. You know what's on the line."
Akira's silence lasted longer this time.
He clenched his fists before finally turning to face Yuuki again—eyes burning not with anger, but with old pain.
"You damn sure know why." he said in a low, tight voice. "Because I'm not like you."
Yuuki furrowed his brow, but Akira continued.
"I grew up alone and Quirkless. No family, no powers and no prospects. Nothing. I was the kid everyone laughed at, the one nobody cared about. Society spat on me before I even had a chance to stand."
His voice was shaking slightly now, the bitterness surfacing.
"And now… you're really asking me to risk my life to protect the same kind of people who would've let me rot in the gutter without blinking?" He took a step forward. "Would you do that, Drive? Would you put everything on the line for a world that treated you like trash just because of something you were born without?"
Yuuki's expression remained unreadable for a moment—stoic, quiet. He wasn't judging Akira. But he wasn't backing down either.
"I don't know what it felt like to grow up like you did," he finally admitted. "But I know what it means to choose who you want to be, no matter what the world says."
He stepped forward too, matching Akira's intensity.
"This fight isn't about proving something to them. It's about stopping monsters who'll tear down everything, innocent or guilty, if we don't. You don't owe the world anything—but Miho is still in that hospital. So are countless others who can't defend themselves. This is about them."
Akira looked down. His fists trembled, the conflict written across his face.
Yuuki waited, giving him space—no pressure, just the weight of the truth between them.
Akira's jaw tightened and his eyes darkened as the detective's words hung in the air. After a long, heavy pause, he let out a bitter laugh and finally spoke.
"I don't feel sad about it," Akira admitted, his voice low and devoid of the expected remorse. "All those people dying, getting injured... They were never worth it."
Akira's gaze drifted downward, avoiding Yuuki's penetrating stare.
"I learned early on that life is brutal, and those who survive do so by caring about themselves, not others. The loss of a few lives or a whole mess of collateral damage—it's just another statistic in a world that never cared about me. I'm not trying to be a hero. I don't have any moral obligation to put my life at risk."
He paused, the silence heavy with his confession.
"I don't grieve for them. I never did. That kind of pain... it's not mine to bear. I fight for Miho. For the one person who saw me for who I am, not just what I lack. The world can rot on its own. I have no illusions. I know what life has taught me, and it taught me that sentimentality only weakens you. The world lost its way long before I ever had a chance at hope."
Yuuki looked at Akira with a mixture of sadness and pity, knowing that deep down, the man before him was scarred too deeply to feel the kind of empathy that fuels a good-hearted Kamen Rider.
"I fight because I have to—because there's someone I love," Akira added, his voice softening for just a moment. "Miho is the only reason I even exist in this fight. The rest of it... is just background noise."
Yuuki exhaled slowly, his eyes glistening with unspoken regret.
"So that's it," he said quietly. "You don't feel the pain of the world. You feel only your own loss, and you care only for Shibuya-san."
Akira's gaze hardened once more.
"Exactly. And if that means I leave the rest of the world to its fate, then so be it."
The air around them seemed to thicken with the weight of his admission—a confession not of compassion, but of a hardened resolve forged in years of neglect and pain. Yuuki, though troubled by the coldness in Akira's words, understood that this was the cost of a life built on rejection.
In that charged moment, both men stood in silence—each grappling with their own ideals, bound by a fight that was far from over, and the undeniable truth that not all heroes felt sorrow for the fallen.
Yuuki's tone softened as he stepped closer, his voice laden with an appeal.
"I see. Listen, I know you're angry, and I get it—but think about your girl then. I promise, if you help us, I'll cover every single one of her medical bills, and I'll do everything in my power to find a cure for her condition." He paused, hoping his words would finally reach him. "How about it? Would you be willing to help us then?"
At the mention of Miho's name being used as a bargaining chip, Akira's face darkened.
His eyes blazed with fury as he recoiled, as if struck by a physical blow. His voice came out low and seething with venom.
"You have the nerve to use her condition as a bargaining chip?" he spat, stepping uncomfortably close. "You only care because I'm one of you—just a Quirkless with a potential to be a Rider. But I bet you and Krim wouldn't treat a regular person the same way, would you?"
Before Yuuki could protest, Akira's anger exploded in a swift, brutal motion. With little warning, Akira's fist lashed out, connecting with Yuuki's face with a sickening crunch. A spurt of blood erupted from the corner of Yuuki's mouth as he staggered back, stunned. Akira, his eyes smoldering with raw fury, grabbed the detective by his shirt's collar, lifting him slightly as he leaned in close.
"You think I'll be manipulated by your pity and that weak sentimentality!?" Akira snarled, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't you dare use Miho's suffering as some excuse to force me into your little crusade. I'm not your puppet, and I won't be guilt-tripped by a cop who only shows up because I got potential."
Yuuki's eyes remained calm despite Akira's tightening grip, a pained mixture of disbelief and hurt etched on his face. The room fell into a tense silence, every heartbeat a drum of impending consequence, as Akira's fury spoke louder than words, leaving no room for negotiation.
The detective took a deep breath, his eyes steady as Akira released his grip and stepped back, leaving only tense silence in their wake. Yuuki's calm expression never wavered—even as blood trickled down from his lip. With measured resolve, he spoke.
"Fine, now that it has come to this… I guess talking is pointless. You leave me no other choice. Kogami Akira… if you won't help us, then I challenge you to a duel."
For a moment, the air seemed to still. Akira's eyes flared with anger at the cop's challenge, and he scoffed.
"A duel? You really think I have time for your theatrics?" he spat.
"Do it," Yuuki countered, his tone icy. "If you refuse, I'll have no choice but to expose you as Mashin Chaser."
Akira's jaw tightened, his scowl deepening.
"And I'd expose your secret identity of Drive as well, to show the world what kind of Quirkless rat you really are." He paused, his eyes locked on Yuuki's unwavering gaze. "But if we're going down that path, so be it—I won't be bullied into anything."
Yuuki shook his head slowly, his expression unyielding.
"This isn't about pride or low blows. It's simple: if you win, then I'll pay for Shibuya-san's medical bills, the Drive Team will search for a cure for her, and you'll never have to hear from us again." He stepped closer, voice lowering to a challenging whisper. "But if I win, you will help us deal with Crush."
For a long, agonizing moment, the two men stood in silence—each gauging the other's resolve. Finally, Akira's glare softened ever so slightly as he met Yuuki's eyes. In them, he saw no malice—only cold determination and a raw truth he couldn't ignore.
"Fine," Akira said at last, his voice low. "Tell me the details of this duel."
Yuuki exhaled slowly, nodding.
"There's an abandoned cave on the outskirts of the city. We will fight there, away from prying eyes. Meet me there in a few hours."
Akira stared into Yuuki's eyes for what felt like an eternity before nodding reluctantly.
"You have no other option, huh?" he muttered bitterly, but his tone carried a reluctant acceptance. "Alright, let's do this."
Yuuki's eyes softened at that, though his expression remained resolute.
"Remember, Chaser- No, Akira... As much as we need you to help us defeat Crush, you will need us as well if you want to save Shibuya-san— and to be truly free of all this chaos."
The challenge had been set.
With no further words exchanged, both men braced themselves for the duel—a clash that promised not only to settle their fates but to determine the future of their troubled alliance, and ultimately, the lives of those they fought to protect.
At the Drive Pit…
"A duel, huh? That kind of feels old school-like." Shinra comments as he watches Krim finish upgrading the items that they would need to face Crush.
The bespectacled scientist already gave the NEXTridoron Key and Shift Speed Wild Technique to Yuuki while he is in possession of Shift Technique. Yuriko will be the one with Shift Next Builder and Melissa also got her Shift Allmobile back.
"Well, it's not like Chaser seems to be the type to negotiate, given what Yuuki told us of him." Steinbelt points out.
"But will this end well for us?" Kanade asks them from the chair she is sitting on. "What will happen if Yuuki loses?"
"Either way, we are done for if we don't defeat Crush." Yuriko comments as she crosses her arms, grimacing as she fears the worst.
U.A. High…
At a classroom within U.A. High, a tense atmosphere prevailed as Melissa and Mei gathered the students for an urgent update. The room was packed—Classes 1-A and 1-B, the Big Three, and even Shinso had taken their seats, the air thick with disbelief and anticipation.
Melissa stepped up to the front, clearing her throat.
"Everyone, listen up. We've just received word on what's about to go down between Yuuki and Chaser."
Mei nodded, her expression unusually serious for someone normally so upbeat.
"They're at—get this—a duel. A full-on, one-on-one battle to settle their differences."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Izuku's eyes widened in shock as he exchanged glances with his classmates. Bakugo's brows furrowed, and Shoto's cool gaze sharpened with a mix of intrigue and disapproval. Monoma even snorted, clearly both intrigued and annoyed.
Bakugo couldn't help himself.
"What? That's just stupid. Why not just force Chaser to work with them? It'd be easier than letting these two idiots duel!" he barked, his voice echoing off the classroom walls.
Shoto added in his measured tone,
"Honestly, sometimes a simple show of force would settle things without all this unnecessary theatrics."
Melissa raised a hand, silencing the murmurs.
"It's not that simple, Bakugo. Todoroki. Yuuki and the rest… they despise those tactics. They believe in settling things on their own terms. The duel is their last resort—a way to force cooperation without resorting to external interference."
Mei continued,
"They think a fair fight like this, as messy as it might be, is preferable to forcing someone to change their ways through sheer brutality. It speaks volumes about their principles."
Amidst the discussion, Izuku sat quietly at the back, his gaze dropping to his hands.
A bitter self-reproach crept into his voice when he finally spoke.
"If only I were still Quirkless…" he muttered under his breath, his tone a mix of regret and resolve. "I'd have given it my all to become a Rider. Even if Steinbelt-san said I had no aptitude, I'd still try, because I'd have nothing else to lose."
A heavy silence fell for a moment as his words sank in. The idea that his own fate—once defined by his lack of a Quirk—might have driven him to fight relentlessly, resonated with many who had known the hardships of feeling less than whole.
Shinso's eyes flickered with quiet understanding, while members of the Big Three exchanged thoughtful glances. Even Bakugo's scowl faltered for just a second, as though reminded that every hero's journey was wrought with personal demons and unfulfilled potentials.
And at the moment, there was nothing they could do to help.
They all hated this feeling of helplessness before them...
Melissa concluded,
"This duel isn't just about settling scores—it's about proving to themselves what kind of people they want to be. It's messy and risky, yes, but sometimes the hard truths aren't won by words or simple fights. They need to forge that truth in battle."
Mei added softly,
"And if Yuuki-san wins, then Chaser will help the Drive Team deal with Crush and the rest."
Melissa then speaks, a sad look in her eyes.
"I think I understand what Yuuki and Chaser are probably thinking now."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ochaco questions her.
"Even if someone has the power to become a Rider and save people, they are not obligated to do it. It's hard to force someone to do good deeds if they don't want to."
"But-!" Tenya tries to protest against such a notion.
"Yes… It's not good if you ignore helping someone who is begging on their feet for help." The American blonde says. "But you also can't ask someone unwilling to sacrifice their life to save others over themselves for people they don't even know."
"Melissa…" Izuku muttered.
"Even the Riders aren't invincible." Melissa continues. "We don't expect firefighters to jump head on into a fire without considering their own safety first. But they still risk their lives and save people and it's a very noble job to do. The same can be said about Uncle Might and the other heroes. But if those who bear no responsibility came and said to an unwilling Quirkless:
'It is your duty to risk your life to save others. So go in there.'
In my opinion, it is ridiculous to ask for that much. Only those who share the same risk and responsibility can order them to do so."
As the others listened to this, they didn't have words to argue against Melissa's reasoning.
"I believe people don't have the right to give responsibilities to those who initially didn't have them. I understand now why Yuuki said it's not right to blame Chaser for not wanting to help us."
The room fell into a contemplative hush as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. Izuku's mind raced with conflicting thoughts—regret for what might have been, and a burning determination to learn from their example, even though he no longer carried the label of "Quirkless."
For a brief moment, it seemed as if the entire class was suspended in the weight of what lay ahead—a collision of principles, destinies, and the hope that even in a world marred by endless conflict, 'heroes' might still forge their own path on their own terms.
A few hours later…
Within a cave on the outskirts of Musutafu City…
The only sounds echoing through the cavern were the distant chirps of insects and the hollow crunch of gravel under heavy boots. The air was tense, heavy with anticipation and quiet fury.
Two figures stood across from one another. The dim light from outside the cave barely reached them, giving the rocky chamber an almost arena-like stillness.
Yuuki stood firm, calm and unreadable, his fingers resting lightly on his Mach Driver.
Akira, by contrast, had a storm behind his eyes, holding his Break Gunner tightly, the memories of Miho's pale, comatose form burning behind his stern expression.
They exchanged no more than a few feet of distance.
Akira's voice cut through the silence like a knife:
"Let's settle things once and for all, Tomari Yuuki."
He raised the Break Gunner, the mechanical hum already beginning.
"Don't expect me to hold back."
Yuuki's gaze didn't waver.
[Mach Driver!]
"Of course." he said flatly, placing his Mach Driver around his waist and locking it in with precision. "Otherwise, this duel would have no real purpose."
For Akira, this fight wasn't about heroism. It was survival. It was Miho. If he won, he could use the Drive Team's resources to save the only person who had ever shown him unconditional love. That was all that mattered.
For Yuuki, the stakes were broader. Every life lost to the Roidmudes, every injured Hero, every civilian in fear—this duel was to secure the only person capable of helping them win the war ahead.
Losing meant failing them all…
Their fingers moved in near-unison.
Yuuki slotted in the NEXTridoron Key with a click as he transformed into his armored form.
"Henshin!"
[Signal Bike/Shift Car! Rider! Counter!]
[Break Up!]
With a burst of corrupted energy, Akira's transformation began, metallic violet light spiraling around his body.
In a flash of color and force, Kamen Rider Counter Drive and Mashin Chaser stood at full height, the cave briefly illuminated by their transformation bursts.
For a heartbeat, the world was still.
And then—they charged.
*Clash!*
Metal clashed on metal.
Chaser's Break Gunner comes into contact with Drive`s Blade Gunner.
They were equals. Not just in skill or strength—but in pain, in desperation, in burden.
As they fought, their footfalls echoed through the cave like war drums. Sparks exploded as weapons collided. Fist met armor. Blasts lit the walls with eerie, strobe-like flickers.
But neither relented. Neither dared to lose.
The duel reached a fever pitch as both combatants exchanged a relentless flurry of blows. Metal clashed with metal, and energy surged with every parry and counter.
In a desperate attempt to disarm his foe, Chaser lunged forward and managed to knock Drive's Blade Gunner out of his grasp.
However, the Rider was equally quick — he snatched his foe's Break Gunner away in a mirror move, leaving them both momentarily weaponless on the rough cave floor.
They tumbled together, rolling on the cold, uneven ground until Chaser managed to pin Drive's arm in an attempt to lock him in place. But the cunning detective wasn't so easily subdued; he twisted swiftly, breaking free and retaliating by flipping Chaser off balance with a sharp maneuver.
Gritting his teeth in bitter amusement, Chaser scoffed,
"You're so naive, Drive. Still thinking you can win with your idealistic notions."
The cop's eyes flashed as he rose to his feet, his tone biting yet resolute.
"Naive? Maybe. But I've found people I truly care about lately—friends who matter. I'm not fighting just to repay Belt-san's kindness anymore. I'm fighting for them, and for a future where I can protect them."
Their words hung heavy in the air as they squared off once more. In a swift, synchronized motion, both combatants launched themselves forward, delivering simultaneous kicks that collided against each other's stomachs. The impact sent them staggering backwards, each trying to gain the upper hand.
The cavern echoed with the sound of their shouts and the resounding thud of their bodies meeting the stone floor.
Despite the physical blows and the weight of their convictions, neither was ready to yield. Instead, they paused only momentarily—breathing heavily, eyes locked, each acknowledging the other's resolve.
"Ahhh!"
The two cried as they charged once again towards each other.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Musutafu City, the clear blue sky was split open by a swirling, dark portal.
The sudden tear in the fabric of reality sent a shockwave rippling through the surrounding buildings, shattering glass and rattling the windows of nearby offices. Out of this ominous vortex stepped the Neo Crush Roidmude.
Now that he was complete and seemingly unstoppable after Another Drive`s was done updating him, the creature's crimson-hued body bristled with reinforced, bulging armor plating as the five jagged plates arranged along its twisted, corrupted body. Its massive limbs exuded raw power, and every step it took sent tremors through the cracked pavement.
Without a moment's hesitation, the Neo Crush Roidmude began its relentless march toward the city center. Each heavy footfall left deep impressions in the asphalt, and as it advanced, a trail of carnage and destruction spread in its wake. Cars were sent flying like toys, and the cries of panicked citizens echoed through the urban maze. The once orderly streets quickly descended into chaos, as the monstrous fusion of technology and fury resumed its brutal campaign.
"Come out, Kamen Riders!"
Back at UA High, the atmosphere was heavy as they received an alert about a Roidmude attack.
Melissa gathered her things. She glanced around at the anxious faces of her friends—the mood was somber, as if they all knew what was coming. With a small, determined smile, the young Shield turned to them.
"Alright, I have to go," she announced. "I'm off to face Crush."
Her words hung in the air as she bid her farewells with a firm nod, then strode away as her footsteps echoing in the empty halls.
Left behind, the remaining students and teachers exchanged frustrated glances.
Izuku clenched his fists, muttering under his breath,
"I wish we could do something…"
Bakugo scowled, his arms folded tightly across his chest.
"This is bullshit. Even if we had the licenses, what good are they if a Roidmude can just block our Quirks with a flick of a switch?"
Ochaco's voice trembled slightly as she added,
"I'm scared… even if we could fight, they'd just… take our powers away. We'd be useless."
Todoroki's normally calm tone carried an edge of dismay.
"They were engineered to exploit our weaknesses. We're all trained to be heroes, but when our Quirks are nullified… We're nothing but ordinary people."
Kirishima, ever the upbeat one, forced a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I guess that's why we're stuck here, watching and hoping that someone else—like the Drive Team—can handle this mess."
A heavy silence fell over the group as they recognized the cruel reality of their situation. Even if they eventually get their prestigious licenses, the mere presence of a Roidmude capable of nullifying their Quirks rendered them practically powerless.
Melissa's determined stride and the group's helpless murmurs underscored one bitter truth: Despite all their training and potential, there were times when even the mightiest heroes were left to watch as the world burned.
And so, all the Hero Course students could do was turn to a monitor showing the Roidmude attack and pray that their Rider friends managed to beat Crush once and for all.
Back at the duel, Chaser and Drive were now using their weapons to strike each other.
The cop vigilante tries to slash his opponent with the Blade Gunner, but Chaser catches the blade at the last instant with his right hand.
"You can't try to play hero and be a Kamen Rider at the same time!" Chaser cries to his opponent.
"Do or do not. There is no try! I have to do this! This is my choice! This is what makes me different from you and the Pro Heroes!" Drive barks back before shoving his foe on the ground.
Musutafu City, Downtown
The skyline is marred by smoke and fire as the Neo Crush Roidmude stands amidst the rubble of a collapsed building. His plates flicker with eerie light, some of them moaning with the trapped souls within, while others glow menacingly with energy.
All around him, civilians lie injured or buried beneath debris. Cars are overturned, and panic echoes through the streets as the mechanical beast raises his arm to fire another destructive energy pulse—
*ZAP-ZAP-ZAP!*
Multiple high-energy blasts strike him from behind, causing him to stumble forward with a grunt. The shots leave scorch marks on his armored back, briefly exposing circuitry before his advanced regeneration kicks in.
He turns around, growling—and is met with the sight of three Kamen Riders standing boldly amidst the smoke and rubble.
[Drive! Type Next!]
[Rider! Tracer!]
[Rev it up! Type Allmobile!]
Dark Drive(Belt-san) levels his Door-Ju, eyes glowing with resolve.
Tracer spins her Zenrin Shooter, electricity sparking around her hands as she steps forward.
And behind them, the newbie Kamen Rider Halo adjusts the sights of her gauntlets, already preparing the next energy attack.
The three vigilantes stand their ground, side by side, as the corrupted titan bellows in fury, his plates screeching and glowing. Energy crackles around his limbs as the battle is about to reignite.
Tracer takes a brief glance at her teammates.
"We need to buy as much time as we can until Tomari-san shows up with Chaser… we just have to believe."
"Right! Let`s do our best! Everybody's counting on us." Halo agrees.
Belt-san nods at them.
[Well said, you two.]
With a thunderous stomp from Crush, the next round begins—an epic standoff between overwhelming brute force and the unyielding will of three Riders fighting against time.
Back at the duel…
[Tune! Rhino! Super Break Up!]
[Shift Car! Tire Koukan! Hayai x Tsuyoi x Umai(Fast x Strong x Clever)!]
Chaser equips the Rhino Viral Core into his Break Gunner, evolving into his Super Mashin Chaser golden form.
As for Drive, he inserts Shift Speed Wild Technique into the Mach Driver's slot.
The Blade Gunner clashes with the Rhino Strizer as their respective owners' get into a sword lock.
The two get on the ground as their struggle continues before Drive kicks Chaser away.
"Become a Kamen Rider to truly protect those you cherish!" Drive appeals to his adversary. "And help us eliminate the Roidmudes to secure a tomorrow for everyone!"
Using his weapon's Gun Mode, Counter Drive fires several energy bullets at Super Mashin Chaser, but the golden warrior manages to deflect every shot with his powered form's blade.
'To fight for those we cherish…' Chaser briefly stops to think as Miho comes to his mind, with him imagining her looking disheartened at his current state and what he has become.
He is shaken out of those thoughts as he hears Drive activating a Special Finisher on his Mach Driver.
[Hissatsu! Full Throttle!]
"And I refuse to back down! Whether it's you or the people I came to meet as a Rider, I will not give up on anyone!"
[Hayai x Tsuyoi x Umai!]
Counter Drive uses his Blade Gunner to make a powerful red, black and green-colored x-shaped energy slash that heads towards Super Mashin Chaser.
"Ha!" The Rider cries as he unleashes his attack.
"...!"
The golden warrior could only look with widened eyes under his mask as the attacks approached him.
Back at the scene, the remaining Riders fought desperately to hold the crumbling ground. Neo Crush, wielding his overwhelming, corrupted might, had soon turned the tide against them.
"Rargh!"
With a deafening roar, the monstrous Roidmude swept through the ranks, sending Dark Drive(Belt-san), Tracer, and Halo flying through the air. They tumbled violently, crashing down in front of a grand fountain plaza, their battered bodies groaning in pain as they struggled to regain footing.
The Fusion monster advanced steadily, his gait measured and unyielding, every step shaking the surrounding pavement. The many plates layered across his massive, crimson frame began to glow fiercely as if drawing power from an unseen source.
"And now, I will finally destroy you three." He mocks them as he gathers energy.
In an alarming display of fusion, the plates around his body coalesced their energies into a massive, ominous sphere of purple light. Crackling with volatile energy, the sphere pulsed ominously, ready to unleash its destructive force at any moment—a weapon designed to disintegrate anything in its path.
"Damn…!"
Tracer cursed as she closed her eyes, thinking this was the end for them.
As the malevolent energy sphere grew, the tension among the beleaguered Riders reached a boiling point. Their eyes widened in dread—
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*
Until, suddenly, a barrage of energy bullets slashed in from the right side. The unexpected assault struck Neo Crush with brutal precision, briefly pushing him back and causing him to stagger.
"Argh! What the hell—!?" The monster grunted in pain and annoyance.
The three Riders turned in unison toward the source of the incoming fire…
To their astonishment, they saw that the unexpected attackers were none other than Kamen Rider Counter Drive and Mashin Chaser.
The two masked warriors had lowered their weapons after blasting out a volley of energy bullets that, against all odds, had disrupted Neo Crush's formation.
"Tomari-san?" Tracer calls her partner.
[Chaser?] Belt-san addresses the purple armored man.
"And the duel? Who won?" Halo asks them in anticipation.
Chaser and Counter Drive looked down in hesitation before the latter spoke jovially, holding his head high.
"Now, then! It's about time we put an end to Crush!"
Chaser follows his lead as he looks at his fellow Quirkless.
"Just this time. Don't make me regret this."
The others all sighed in relief at this since it finally became apparent that Yuuki ultimately bested Akira in their duel.
[Mach Driver!]
Mashin Chaser then equipped his Mach Driver on the waist as Signal Chaser came to his aid.
He then inserts it into his new Driver's slot as he transforms.
[Signal Bike!]
"Henshin!"
[Rider! Chaser!]
Chaser's purple form falls apart as he changes into his new silver-colored look.
Akira became Kamen Rider Chaser.
Back at U.A. High, Classes 1-A, 1-B and the others were still watching live footage of the Kamen Riders' fight as they all just witnessed Mashin Chaser turn into Kamen Rider Chaser.
"Detective Tomari did it!" Mei cries happily.
They all became relieved to learn that Detective Tomari managed to apparently win in the duel against Chaser.
"Kamen Rider… Chaser."
Izuku couldn't help but say in awe as another Quirkless became a Kamen Rider.
"Here, use this." Counter Drive says as he hands Shift Speed Wild Technique to Chaser.
"What makes you think I will give this back to you?" Chaser sharply asks Drive.
"Call it a gut feeling, but you don't strike me as a scumbag that does this sort of thing." The detective spoke fondly as he friendly pats the silver warrior on the shoulder.
The masked cop then turns to the rest of his comrades.
"Let's go, guys!"
"Yeah!"
Dark Drive, Tracer and Halo finally recovered as they got up.
"Ahhhhh!"
The five Kamen Riders begin to rush towards the fusion monstrosity as this earns a growl from Neo Crush.
Using all of his borrowed powers from the plates, Crush uses earthquakes, geokinesis, fireballs and wind attacks in an attempt to stop the humans. But nothing that he did seemed to faze them as they kept getting closer to him.
"Stay away, you damn humans!"
As the five surround him, Crush tries to smack them away but they keep persisting.
Eventually, they make him lose momentum as all Riders each pull a Shift Car (The NEXTridoron Key in Counter Drive's case) before pressing them against each one of his plates.
Dark Drive(Belt-san) uses Shift Technique, Tracer uses Shift Next Builder, Halo uses her Shift All Mobile, Chaser uses the Shift Speed Wild Technique that was lent to him and Counter Drive uses his NEXTridoron Key.
*Flash!*
"Ahh!"
Crush gasps as all the items come into contact with one of his plates, releasing a green glow as a result.
[Access granted: Open!]
*Swift!*
Crush begins to glitch as each of the Riders use this moment to pull away one of the humans he was fused with.
Several human figures, now freed from their unwilling bond with the Neo Crush Roidmude, tumbled into view.
They were all strikingly different: an elderly man with deep-set, wary eyes; a young woman whose hair was damp with tears, clutching onto a threadbare jacket; a middle-aged laborer with soot-streaked skin and callused hands; a timid teenager in a faded T-shirt and frayed sweatpants; and even an older woman, her features lined with years of silent endurance, wearing a plain, institutional-style dress.
The only thread that bound them was the stark similarity of their attire—the generic, drab outfits one typically sees on experimental subjects in a cold, dehumanized setting: bland, utilitarian clothes designed more for function than style, as if they were plucked from a lab's waiting room of guinea pigs.
The Riders, one by one, take turns to kick Crush in the chest as he changes back to his default form now that his fusion was undone.
"Ha!"
*Smack!*
Counter Drive and Chaser deliver a double kick on the Roidmude, sending him flying away.
"No!" The monster cries in rage, feeling weaker.
The Riders then secure the people they freed, finding them all unconscious as they gently place them away in a safe corner.
"We did it!" Halo celebrates as she offers a high five to Tracer.
"Alright!"
"Happy?" Chaser dryly asks Counter Drive as he hands Shift Speed Wild Technique back to him. "Here."
"Thanks." His rival thanks as he smiles under the mask.
"Damn you all…"
The five of them turn back to Crush, who is glaring hatefully at them.
"Now let's wrap things up with this guy." Counter Drive tells everyone as he removes his Mach Driver.
Dark Drive(Belt-san) cancels his own transformation as he attaches himself to his Operator's waist, ready to fight together with him.
[Drive! Type Speed Wild Technique!] The sentient Drive Driver announces as his Operator used Shift Speed Wild Technique to change into his (current) strongest form.
[OverDrive! Type Trinity!]
Meanwhile, Chaser extends his right arm to the side as he calls for his new weapon, which quickly comes flying and spinning towards him.
[Shingou-Ax!]
Chaser's Mach Driver announces as he catches the ax-like weapon.
The Shingou-Ax is Kamen Rider Chaser's default ax-like weapon, shaped like a pedestrian crossing signal light. This weapon is summoned from the front portion of the Ride Chaser, but like Mach's Zenrin Shooter, it is also capable of appearing from Chaser's transformation effect.
"Yuriko. Melissa. Leave the rest to me and Chaser." OverDrive tells the two as the women comply, deciding to rest a bit.
[Hissatsu!] The Shingou-Ax calls as Chaser inserts his Signal Bike into the weapon`s Signal Landing Panel.
He then presses the red Shingou Push Button on the shaft as another announcement is made.
[Matterōyo(Wait for it)!]
The Shingou-Ax starts to generate and charge energy as the message `Please wait a moment` appears next to the red Shingou Push Button.
The Shingou-Ax's Full Throttle Finisher [Across Breaker] is activated when Chaser loads the Signal Chaser Bike into its Signal Landing Panel, on the pole, and presses the red Shingou Push Button on the shaft. However, as a drawback to this, he must wait while the weapon charges as it says "Matterōyo!", with the weapon turning on its red light with a white silhouette of Chaser holding his weapon in anticipation.
During the wait, Chaser uses Break Gunner to keep the target busy.
*Bang!* *Bang!*
"Argh! Stop!" Crush cries as he keeps getting hit by purple energy bullets.
[Itteīyo(Go for it!)!]
The weapon cries as the Shingou-Ax`s light signal changes from red to green, now depicting a white silhouette of Chaser using his weapon to destroy enemies.
"Ha!" Chaser cries as he rushes to Crush with the Shingou-Ax in hand, using it to slash his enemy several times.
[Full Throttle!]
Chaser swings the Shingou-Ax several times, with the path of his swings, seconds before each swing, generating black-and-white tracks that resemble a crosswalk.
*Boom!*
"Argh!"
An explosion happens as Crush is sent flying away. However, he is still alive despite despite receiving critical injuries.
"My turn." OverDrive announces as he stands before Crush with the Door-Ju and Shift Technique in hands.
[Hissatsu! Technique!] Belt-san announced as the vigilante inserts Shift Technique into his gun weapon.
"Program Advance!"
OverDrive also taps into the power of Shift Speed Wild Technique within his Shift Brace as he combines both powers into one, soon being enveloped into a green aura.
[Full Throttle! Technique Trinity!]
An energy manifestation of Kamen Rider Drive Type Technique appears next to the vigilante, also armed with the Door-Ju as it imitates the moves of OverDrive. Both then aim their weapons at Crush.
"Technique… Blaster!"
*Bang!*
The two of them fired green energy beams that combined to become one giant green energy bullet that went straight towards Crush, piercing his body and leaving a hole in his chest.
"Gah! No… Damn it… I should have won this time…!" The monster gasped in pain as he drops dead on the ground, his body soon exploding.
*Boom!*
With the Special Finisher performed, the manifestation of Type Technique fades away.
From the explosion, OverDrive observes as Crush`s 023 Core is seen flying away before it explodes, with him finally dying for sure.
"Dispatch complete." Drive says.
[Good job, Yuuki.] Belt-san praises him with a happy emoji.
*Vrooom!* *Vrooom!*
The roar of a high-powered engine cut through the aftermath of the battle. The Riders turned just in time to see the silver Chaser leap onto his Ride Chaser, rev the throttle, and speed off to somewhere else. He didn't pause to exchange farewells or even offer a nod—once his part was done, he vanished down the street in a blur of chrome and velocity.
OverDrive watched him go, shoulders slumping. He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of disappointment clear even beneath his mask.
"And he's gone..." Tracer comments, crossing her arms.
Halo nodded as she spoke next.
"He did exactly what he promised—but if we want him to stay, maybe we will need more than a quick fling."
"I'm sure we will meet again soon." It was the only thing Drive said, trying to sound hopeful.
Musutafu City Police Department – Conference Room
The room buzzed with relieved laughter and congratulatory chatter as the police officers and Pro Heroes gathered around the long table, celebrating the Riders' victory.
The tv on the room showed news footage of the Riders driving off Crush, and murmurs of "Incredible work!" and "That was too close!" filled the air. The people that were rescued from Crush's fusion were sent to the hospital as it
"Never thought I'd say this, but those quirkless guys really pulled through. I was ready to charge in, but they held their own." Mirko said with a smirk, feeling inspired by the vigilantes' actions.
"Not that it would have made much difference." Ryukyu reminds the bunny, earning a huff from Rumi.
"Still… We need to find ways to counter the Roidmudes' way of nullifying Quirks. Sooner or later this will be a problem we will need to address." Tsukauchi said gravely.
"Indeed. But for now, let's just celebrate that everyone's safe. Woof!" Tsuragamae tells his subordinate, patting him on the shoulder.
"Hey—where's Tomari, by the way?" Ingenium asks as he looks around for their MVP. "He's usually here for these debriefs, right?"
Before anyone could speculate further, Yuriko stepped forward, smoothing her uniform.
"Tomari-san had to attend to another urgent matter. He asked me to pass his apologies."
Murmurs of annoyance rippled through the group.
"Again…? Geez, that guy has to stop disappearing at times like these." Rumi scoffs.
Yuriko offered a wry smile, understanding their frustration but unable to change her partner's habit.
Meanwhile, as the sun sets, Yuuki returns to the cave he and Akira had their duel earlier that same day…
He looks reminiscently at the destruction they caused within the area, marks of their attacks still fresh as he remembers how their duel ended…
(Flashback)
[Hissatsu! Full Throttle!]
"And I refuse to back down! Whether it's you or the people I came to meet as a Rider, I will not give up on anyone!"
[Hayai x Tsuyoi x Umai!]
Counter Drive uses his Blade Gunner to make a powerful red, black and green-colored x-shaped energy slash that heads towards Super Mashin Chaser.
"Ha!" The Rider cries as he unleashes his attack.
"...!"
The golden warrior could only look with widened eyes under his mask as the attacks approached him.
However, his expression soon hardens as he prepares to fight back.
[Super Execution!]
Chaser fires golden energy bullets at the incoming attack, slowing it down before using the Rhino Strizer to break it apart!
[Full Break! Rhino!]
*Crash!*
The energy release causes pieces of rock to fly everywhere as Drive rushes towards his golden opponent.
*Smack!*
But one of the small rocks hits his visor in the process, briefly making him flinch and look back as he stops moving.
This was all Super Mashin Chaser needed to corner him…
Counter Drive gasps as he finds the Break Gunner's Rhino Strizer pointed right at his throat once he looks back at the golden reaper.
"..."
Both fighters don't say a word as the cop vigilante looks nervously at his adversary.
However, much to the masked detective's surprise, his adversary seemed to falter as he purposely missed the next strike and tried to step back.
"Ha!"
But Counter Drive moves fast and presses his Gunner's blade against Mashin Chaser's neck.
"This match is over!" The cop tells the anti-hero.
(Flashback ends)
Yuuki smiles fondly as he accepts that Chaser is the one who truly won their duel.
"I owe you one, Chaser… No… Akira. Thanks."
At the same time, with Akira…
The lilac-eyed Quirkless man was watching the sunset as he leaned on his bike.
He was currently on a hill that he and Miho used to come at during their dates.
'Fighting for the sake of someone else… Is that how you felt as a heroine, Miho?' He ponders sorrowfully as he looks at the Signal Chaser in his hand. 'Would you have been proud of my decision?'
He then turns to look at a nearby tree.
"How long do you plan to spy on me? Come out." He orders with a soft voice.
From the tree, Roidmude 096 (in her human form) steps out as she looks at Akira with a fond expression.
"Thank you for helping Drive and the others, Akira." She tells with a gentle smile. "Miho-san would've been proud of you."
"..." He doesn't say anything in return, opting to stay quiet.
Akira then remembers how, before having his duel with Yuuki, the doppelganger of Miho appeared before him, also pleading that he help the other Riders fight Crush.
The ravenette initially refused but 096 next tried emulating the human she copied in order to further appeal to him.
Now that seemed to work on him as he at least promised to help if Yuuki 'won' their duel…
"In the end, I know I'm just a copy of Miho-san, but I can somewhat feel what she would say to you." 096 smiles bitterly as she looks fondly at the Rider, placing her hands on the chest. "After all, I have her memories."
"Oh yeah? Can you guess what she would tell me now if she wasn't in a coma?" He asks the Roidmude, as if trying to speak to Miho through 096.
"She wouldn't condone you for making the selfish choice of not wanting to get involved… " 096 speaks as she trails off. "But you really won't at least reconsider helping the other Riders?"
"..."
Once again, Akira chooses to remain silent as he looks at the Signal Chaser in his possession.
'To protect those we cherish…' He remembers the words Yuuki told him. 'But is that really what I want? To become a Kamen Rider?'
Akira suddenly remembers a promise he made to Miho when they were both kids, on the same hill he was currently on.
(Flashback)
Years ago…
On a peaceful, starry night…
A younger Akira and Miho sat side by side, looking up at the cosmos with wide eyes, the stars reflecting in them like a sea of dreams.
"I want to become a Heroine… but not just the kind that beats up villains or rushes into danger." Miho said softly, smiling.
She placed a hand on her chest.
"I want to help people who are suffering. Like the ones others forget."
Akira blinked, caught off guard by her genuine compassion.
"…Why would you care so much? You're already doing more than anyone I know."
The girl giggles.
"Because someone needs to. And if I don't, who will? Even one smile can make someone's world brighter."
Her words lingered in the air like stardust.
Akira looked down at his hands, clenching them.
"…Then I'll help you. However I can. Even if I don't have a Quirk—I'll find a way. I'll… support your dream."
Miho turned to him, touched by the resolve in his voice.
"That means a lot, Akira. But… Can I make a selfish request?"
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"If you ever gain powers one day… promise me you'll use them to help people, too. Not because I asked you to… but because you want to." She requests, smiling gently.
Akira blinked, caught off guard by the way her voice carried such warmth.
"I want you to show others the same kindness I showed you back then. Not because you owe me, but because it's you. Because you're someone who can make a difference." The brunette says earnestly.
Akira hesitated, clearly conflicted.
"I'm not like you, Miho. You care about everyone. I only cared about you. That's not… a heroic mindset."
Miho shook her head, reaching for his hand.
"You don't need to be a hero to do the right thing. I believe in you, Akira. Even if you don't believe in yourself yet."
The sincerity in her voice broke through his walls.
"…Then I'll try. I promise." He replies quietly.
She smiled widely, holding up her pinky
"Pinky swear?"
Akira looked at her for a moment, then hooked his finger with hers.
"Pinky swear."
(Flashback ends)
The Closing Screen of this chapter shows the Signal Chaser, Shift Speed Wild Technique, the Rhino Super Viral Core and the NEXTridoron Key, side by side, with the logo of Kamen Rider Chaser behind them.
Roidmude Casualties: 011†, 012†, 013†, 015†, 019†, 021†, Moonfish(022)†, Crush†(023), Iron(029)†, Liquid(034)†, The Rock(037)†, 042†, Chainsaw(052)†, 054†, 060†, Judge(065)†, 071†, 074†, Luchador(075)†, Beast(077)†, Wolfram(078)†, 083†, 088†, 093†, Arms(100)†, 101†
Count at the end of the chapter: 82 out of 112?
My Hero Academia Illegals: Vigilante Dark Drive
Drive 41: Duel of Fates
- 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.
I got some inspiration from Lupinrangers VS Patarangers' Dial Fighters when I decided to use some of the Shift Cars (and the NEXTridoron Key) to separate the Crush Roidmude from the people he was fused with, the same the Lupinrangers use their Dial Fighters to steal pieces of the Lupin Collection from the Ganglers.
I decided to work more on Akira/Chaser's development and make him start to interact with the other characters. But instead of making him officially join the Drive Team, the others will still need to work a bit more to get him to fully open up to them.
I will now probably resume working on my Kamen Rider Shinobi x Senran Kagura fanfic before I make another chapter for this story.
Life has been keeping me pretty busy lately, work and college have made it very hard for me to work on my fanfics. I'm sorry for those who have been waiting for my uploads, I hope you all understand.
And please, stop asking me about updating my other stories in the review section!
Request Corner!
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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