The next day, Kazama decided to go to the library again, but not for exam preparation purposes. The hall this time had over 200 people. People of all age groups were there but mostly they were students.
There are no updates on this flip phone yet. And I don't know if they caught my bluff or not. The most obvious assumptions they could make are telekinesis or straight up magnetism. And if it is magnetism then they can connect dots and link back to my electrical powers. I need to think of something that is completely different and completely dissociates me from my electrical powers, Kazama thought to himself as he entered the library looking for some books that could help his cause.
He was heading straight towards the science section but his path was crossed by some students with uniforms from different schools.
The library is quite packed today. It's probably because of the exam season. I don't see anyone from my school but I do see some people from other schools I recognize. The library really puts you into a strange state… a quiet pressure. When you walk in, everyone around you is hunched over books, grinding, fighting their own academic battles. And somehow, that atmosphere crawls under your skin. It makes you want to learn more. Hustle more. Push a little harder. But the reason for me today is to get a bit of fresh air and prepare for my next vigilante outing, Kazama thought as he looked around and noticed more people than usual. He then finally reached the science section.
"Not this. Not this as well," Kazama muttered under his breath, rejecting book after book under the science section.
He looked around and found nothing of use. His eyes fell on a book titled "Electromagnetic Propulsion: Theory and Applications."
There is nothing. I can't create a "Supercharged railgun" obviously. I need something on a smaller scale. The magnetism thing worked but it drains a lot out of you. Constant electric current passing through you, managing the polarity and especially saving mafia members. I need something with less effort and more flashy this time.
Kazama strolled through more categories under the science section. His eyes suddenly caught some interesting titles: "The Science Behind the Show: Physics of Performance Art" and "Chemistry of Combustion and Flash Effects."
Interesting. Very interesting, Kazama thought, pulling the books from the shelf.
He found a table in the corner, away from the main study area, and opened the first book. Flash paper, a nitrocellulose based material that ignited instantly with barely any heat required. He flipped through the pages. Lycopodium powder, a fine dust that created massive fireballs when dispersed and ignited. Fire breathers used it. So did special effects crews.
This is great. The most basic application of electricity is to generate heat! A lot of heaters have these metal coils that can withstand high heat and hence when current passes through them, they emit that heat. So if I generate just the right amount of heat from a small current then these tricks can be really helpful.
Tachibana Takemi entered the library, a bag hanging at her side.
Yesterday was a really long study session. But I am glad that both Kana and Sakura now have a good grasp on most topics. Sakura also said that this time there are going to be some questions from outside the syllabus. Some advanced questions that are going to test us conceptually I guess. And this is where the library comes in. I can prepare as much as I ….., Takemi thought as she entered the library and had a good glance at the crowd inside. Her train of thought stopped when she spotted Kazama sitting, her breath catching slightly at the sight of him.
Kazama-kun is here again. Should I go talk to him? Maybe I shouldn't. Sakura and Kana-chan already suspect something between me and him. The library is more packed than usual so if I take the other route, he wouldn't notice me. That way we can …. No no no. A "Hi" wouldn't hurt I think. There is nothing between us so it's okay. Or maybe I am thinking too much, Takemi thought with her hand on her chin but then patted her cheeks with both her hands to reset her thought process.
She glanced at him again and saw Kazama studying something with all his attention and full focus.
No, I shouldn't bother him. He is studying so hard. Disturbing him would break his focus. And the reason I came here was to go through more books for those advanced questions. Not to observe Kazama. I didn't even know he was going to be here. But I guess I can check out what he is reading at least. He wouldn't be reading anything crazy now that the exams are close. I guess? Last time he was reading some University level stuff. Okay I will have a peek. If it is something related to our exams, we can discuss. If it is something crazy I will let him be because I don't care. I don't.
Takemi sneaked slowly, hiding behind each section and getting close. She squinted her eyes and tried to read the title on the book's cover.
Wait, the cover looks a bit funky. What does it read though "Top 10 Circus...". Wait what? "Top 10 Circus tricks using Science".
"What!" Takemi blurted out, a bit too loud. The sound echoed embarrassingly in the quiet library.
Several students jerked their heads up at once. Some from nearby tables and some from across the aisle. A few stared with raised eyebrows.
Kazama spotted her with a neutral gaze before he went back to reading his book.
Shit. My cover is blown. I have no choice now. That was so embarrassing, Takemi realized with embarrassment as she placed her hands on her face to hide.
Takemi walked up to Kazama with a bit of shame on her face, quickly tying her hair to show she was busy.
"Hey Kazama-kun. We are meeting again," Takemi said with forced casualness, her voice higher than usual.
"Hello Tachibana-san. What brings you here today?" Kazama asked, looking up from his book.
"Oh I… I had covered most of the topics in the syllabus. And… I wanted to test myself with some… more questions," Takemi said, fidgeting with her bag strap.
Shit. That was bad. I fumbled the explanation, Takemi thought to herself as her pulse quickened.
"Right," Kazama replied simply, his expression unchanged.
"By the way, what are you reading?" Takemi asked as her eyes widened. She could see the title properly now. Her lips went tight as if she was about to laugh but she held it in.
"Practical applications," Kazama answered without elaborating. He realized instantly that Takemi was amused by the book's title so he gave an answer to show his true intention of picking up the book.
"In a circus?" Takemi asked with a smile on her face followed by a chuckle.
"Science is used everywhere in our daily lives. No application is big or small," Kazama said plainly, closing the book slightly.
"Oh okay… I mean isn't this a bit too much. Like going through practical applications and everything. Like all the school is going to ask are theoretical questions and formulas. And I think we should stick to that," Takemi said while frowning, now composed.
"That's great but what are we going to do after that?" Kazama asked while looking at her directly, now keeping the book aside and putting all his attention towards Takemi.
"We would get really good grades and we would make it to the next round," Takemi said confidently without any pause. The tone of reply suggested that this was what success meant for her.
"And after that?" Kazama replied instantly as if he anticipated that from Takemi.
"We are getting closer to becoming the next hero. What is greater than that?" Takemi said, her eyes lighting up.
"Okay you got the best grades, you secured the next round and the next round and the next. But it's an endless cycle. It only ends when you realize that grades aren't everything. And in our line, the line of aspiring heroes, practical knowledge is even more important," Kazama said, leaning forward and interlocking his fingers.
"But…" Takemi started to protest.
"And even if you take the concept of 'heroes' out of the equation, a lot of people have been successful even without these 'grades'. And that is because of talent and hobbies. And how do you get to show talent or abilities without these grades?" Kazama continued before she could finish.
"Through…. Practical application," Takemi said softly as understanding dawned on her.
All that monologue just for me to use these tricks on some goons, Kazama thought with a frown on his face.
He explained it so well. That grades don't matter and practical knowledge is equally or more important than theory. He didn't even say practical knowledge is better out loud but… he got the point across. How did he do that ? Takemi thought with her fist clenched. She wanted to respond with a valid argument but nothing was coming to mind. She was both impressed and frustrated.
She inhaled, straightened her posture and lifted her chin slightly.
"But don't you think that the timing of learning 'circus' tricks is a bit off right now?" Takemi said, her voice firm but a little too high, brows knitted in determined frustration. She pressed her lips together as if bracing herself. "I mean… exams are just around the corner."
Her tone carried that final argument energy while her clenched jaw and tense shoulders showed she wasn't ready to concede defeat just yet. Kazama on the other hand didn't flinch. He simply nodded once calmly, as if he had expected her answer.
"You're right. I got carried away a little." His voice was steady as he continued. "Even though grades aren't the ultimate decider of your future, they still carry a lot of weight."
He pivoted so easily? Almost like he is covering something up. I have seen people not sticking to a single opinion when they are cornered. But again it could be something else. Maybe he just wants to avoid conversation? Takemi thought as she blinked rapidly a couple of times. She was taken aback by Kazama's response. Her thoughts scrambled.
While Takemi was lost in her thoughts, Kazama stood up and placed the books back on the shelf.
There is no point taking this conversation any further, Kazama thought as he slid the last book into place. Exams are coming up and explaining why I'm reading about circus tricks will turn into a whole… thing. I already made notes. I need the materials now, not another long conversation.
"Oh you are leaving?" Takemi asked, snapping back to reality.
"Yes. I think I have learned enough about practical uses. I will go home and brush up the topics in the syllabus," Kazama said, nodding and picking up his things.
Something in the straightforwardness of that answer unsettled her as he didn't look smug, secretive, or flustered. Just determined. Focused. It made her heartbeat trip for a moment before she could steady herself.
Kazama walked past her with a small nod, not rude, not cold but just Kazama being Kazama. Direct and to the point. He disappeared between the aisles and left the library.
Takemi stared at the empty space where he had been, feeling something tighten then flutter strangely in her chest.
I don't know why but talking to him kind of opened my mind a bit and I am getting these thoughts other than getting good grades. I have always thought of good grades being the absolute success in school. I know I should not falter when the exams are so close… But still.
She secured a seat and picked up some books on maths and science, flipping through pages with more force than necessary. She solved the first few problems easily, but then she started to falter.
"…Huh?" Her pen hesitated mid-solution.
Another problem. And another. And another. Three mistakes in a row.
Takemi frowned.
That's odd. I was able to solve a similar problem before. But now….
She shook her head vigorously and leaned forward, trying to return her mind to her well-organized study rhythm but the doubt lingered.
Her fingers drummed on the desk unconsciously.
Why does that guy keep saying things that actually make sense…?
Her cheeks warmed again with frustration. She took sips from her water bottle to reset her thoughts. Her eyes went back to her determined form. She tied her hair and set up a timer.
I can't let this conversation take over me. Right now, there is only one objective. To get the highest marks possible. I can worry about this later. 10 questions. 30 minutes. Go!
******************************************************************************************************
Meanwhile in a different location, deep beneath the city's surface, a secret bunker hummed with the low buzz of fluorescent lights. The concrete walls were bare and cold. Painted in a dull gray that seemed to absorb what little warmth the space offered.
Shirai Takeru stood near the center of the room, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. Around him were a dozen gang members clustered in nervous groups. Some leaned against the walls trying to appear casual but failing. Others sat on overturned crates, their legs bouncing with anxiety. The tension was thick. Hiro paced back and forth near the far wall, his footsteps echoing off the concrete. His jaw was clenched so tight that the muscles along his neck stood out like cords. Every few seconds, his fists would ball up at his sides then slowly unfurl only to clench again moments later.
"Shirai-san," a gang member with a thin scar across his cheek spoke up, his voice cracking slightly. He twisted his hands together nervously. "Your uncle... he's not going to be too harsh, right?"
Shirai exhaled slowly through his nose while his shoulders sagged. He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know. I mean, he used to be a chill person. We would have drinks, laugh about stupid stuff." He paused, his expression darkening. "But these days... the things he does, the decisions he makes..." He shook his head. "Even I break into a cold sweat when I think about it. But I guess it's more on me than it's on you guys."
Buzzcut stepped forward, his face earnest. He placed a hand on Shirai's shoulder. "You don't need to take the responsibility, Shirai-san. We're the ones who failed you." His voice dropped lower, shame creeping into his tone. "We had guns. We had the numbers. And we still lost."
Another member chimed in, his voice hollow. "Like amateurs."
Shirai looked up at them. But it was quickly replaced by resignation. "I should have been more vigilant. Should have put more people on the shipment." He rubbed his face with both hands, dragging them down slowly. "I told my uncle everything. Every detail. He listened... didn't say a word. Just sat there. That silence scared me more than if he had started yelling. But whatever's coming... we'll face it together."
Across the room, Hiro's pacing had grown more erratic. His breathing came in sharp bursts through his nostrils. Sweat beaded along his hairline. His right hand kept reaching for his side, fingers twitching as if searching for a weapon that wasn't there.
Buzzcut noticed and took a cautious step toward him. "Hiro-san... are you alright?"
Hiro trembling slightly. When he spoke, his voice was low and rough. "I will be." He slowly turned around and his eyes had a wild, desperate gleam to them. "I just need to face that vigilante one more time. Just one more time." His voice rose with each word. "I swear on everything I have, that will be the final time. Give me an open ground with no shipments, no distractions and I will end this. Best of three. I will beat him. I will be the final winner."
A lanky gang member near the door frowned, confusion crossing his face. He scratched the back of his neck. "Doesn't the 'best of three' end when one guy wins twice? And... that guy already beat you twice?"
The room went silent.
Hiro's head snapped toward him, eyes blazing. "Shut up!" The words came out as a snarl. He took three quick steps toward the lanky member who instinctively pressed himself back against the wall. "The first time, we weren't prepared. We didn't know what we were dealing with." Hiro's finger jabbed the air with each point. "The second time, we had the liability of carrying the shipment. Our hands were tied!" His voice cracked slightly. "Give me another chance. Just one clean fight and I swear I will make him pay. I will burn him up like a packet of marshmallows. I will fuck him up!"
The lanky member nodded quickly. Not daring to say another word.
"Quiet, you guys."
Everyone froze. Shirai's voice had cut through the tension like a blade. His head was tilted slightly, listening. "He's here."
The effect was immediate. Every gang member straightened up. Cigarettes were hastily stubbed out. The room fell into a heavy and suffocating silence.
Then they heard it. Multiple black SUVs gathered around the entrance of the bunker. Doors opened. And many heavy footsteps followed.
The metal door to the bunker swung open with a groan. An entourage was behind the door with two prominent figures. Both of them were above Shirai Takeru in rankings.
Nakamura Shinya. Japan ranked 12.
Yoshida Takeshi. Japan ranked 15.
The two heroes entered first. Both were broad-shouldered, dressed in dark tactical gear that looked more military than heroic. Their faces were expressionless but professional. Shinya moved immediately to hold the door open wide. Takeshi took up a position beside it, hands clasped in front of him.
And then he walked in.
Toji.
The man carried himself with the kind of quiet authority that didn't come from height or muscle, but from decades of being obeyed without question. He wasn't very tall at around five-nine at best and his build was that of a healthy man in his early sixties being solid around the shoulders with a bit of weight around the midsection, but nothing sloppy. His black suit fit well yet couldn't quite hide the slight heaviness of age.
The air in the bunker seemed to grow heavier with his presence.
Shirai straightened immediately. But his hands clasped in front of him, were trembling slightly. He cleared his throat. "Welcome, uncle." His voice was steady, but just barely. "We've been waiting for you patiently. We can now quickly discuss the shipment issue. It was….."
"Wait."
The single word cut him off completely. Toji hadn't raised his voice. Hadn't needed to.
His gaze swept across the room moving from face to face. Each gang member seemed to shrink slightly under that gaze as if trying to make themselves smaller and less noticeable.
Then his eyes stopped.
Toji's head turned slowly until he was looking directly at Hiro. He studied him for a long moment. His expression remained neutral but there was an intensity in his gaze that made the temperature in the room seem to drop.
He raised one hand, finger extended, pointing directly at Hiro. "You are Hiro?"
It wasn't really a question. It was confirmation.
Hiro swallowed hard. Beads of sweat had already formed along his forehead. But he forced himself to stand straight to meet that gaze. "Yes, sir."
Toji continued to study him, his head tilting just slightly to one side. Finally he spoke again. "Hmm. I heard you put up a good fight against this vigilante." He paused, letting the words hang in the air. "And you want revenge. Is that right?"
Hiro's jaw tightened. Whatever fear he felt, it was being consumed by something else. Rage. Pride. Desperation.
His voice, when it came, was stronger than before. Filled with conviction. "Yes, sir. Absolutely. Just give me one chance. One clean shot at him."
Toji's expression didn't change. He simply nodded once. "Good."
For just a moment, something like relief flickered across Hiro's face. His shoulders began to relax. His breathing started to even out.
Then everything happened at once.
Nakamura Shinya's hand went to his side as drew a pistol in one smooth motion. It was already loaded. A holographic visor hovered over Shinya's right eye.
Hiro's eyes widened. Not with pain, but with shock. With disbelief. His mouth opened slightly, as if to speak but no words came out.
A small, dark hole had appeared in the center of his forehead.
For one frozen moment, he remained standing. Suspended in that instant between life and death. Then his knees buckled. His body crumpled, folding in on itself as he collapsed to the ground. The back of his head hit the concrete with a sickening thud.
Blood began to pool beneath him.
The other gang members stood paralyzed, their faces masks of horror and shock. Some had their hands halfway to their mouths. Others had taken an unconscious step backward. None of them made a sound.
The hero who had fired the shot calmly holstered his weapon.
Toji looked down at Hiro's body for a brief moment. His face showed nothing. No satisfaction. No regret. No emotion whatsoever. It was the look of a man who had simply crossed an item off a to-do list.
He turned his attention back to Shirai.
"Now continue, Takeru."
Shirai Takeru stood frozen, his face drained of all colors. His mouth hung slightly open, eyes fixed on Hiro's lifeless body. The trembling in his hands had spread to his entire body.
Failure had consequences.