Chapter 106: Chapter 16
The Musutafu Police Department bustles with activity, phones ringing, officers typing furiously at their desks, and the constant murmur of hushed conversations filling the air. Amidst the chaos, Naomasa Tsukauchi sits in his cramped office, a sanctuary of organized clutter. Stacks of files threaten to spill over his desk, but each document is meticulously labeled, a testament to his methodical nature.
Naomasa, a tall, lean man with short, dark hair and sharp eyes, scans through the latest reports, his expression growing increasingly grim. For years, he has been a pillar of the police force, known for his unwavering dedication to justice and his keen intellect. As a detective, he's seen the best and worst of humanity, the rise of heroes and the depths of villainy. He understands the importance of maintaining order, of upholding the law, no matter how complicated the circumstances.
Naomasa sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. His Quirk, Human Lie Detector, makes him invaluable. He can subconsciously tell when someone's lying—a subtle shift in body language, a flicker in their eyes. Still, it's not infallible; skilled liars can slip through.
He picks up another file, labeled "Eternal Bloom Incident," and sighs. Eyewitness accounts paint a confusing picture—a figure in red and blue armor, battling a plant-like villain, feats of incredible strength and agility. But what troubles Naomasa most is the recurring detail: the vigilante's willingness to kill.
He rereads a statement from a construction worker at Tanaka Construction, where the vigilante had previously appeared. "He didn't hesitate, officer. That monster was down, but he finished him off. Like he was nothing."
Naomasa frowns. In this world of Quirks, where heroes and villains clash daily, the line between justice and brutality often blurs. But one principle remains clear: no one, not even a hero, has the right to take a life outside the boundaries of the law.
The police do not know about Imagins and just think they are people with Mutant Type Quirks.
A knock on the door pulls him from his thoughts. Sansa Tamagawa, a lean man with the head of a ginger tabby cat, pokes his head in. "Tsukauchi, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Sansa, come in," Naomasa says, gesturing to a chair. Eizo Tanuma, an older man with a receding hairline and a neatly trimmed beard, strolls in behind Sansa, a relaxed smile on his face.
Sansa Tamagawa, with his feline features and sharp senses, has been a valuable asset to the force, often assisting with surveillance and reconnaissance. Eizo Tanuma, in contrast, brings a calm, affable presence to the team, his keen intellect and deductive skills complementing Naomasa's methodical approach. His Quirk, Free Walker, allows his legs to move without tiring, granting him enhanced stamina.
"What's this about, Tsukauchi?" Eizo asks, settling into the other chair. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Naomasa pushes the files across the desk. "I'm concerned about this vigilante, Kamen Rider. He's been involved in multiple incidents, and the reports are... troubling."
Sansa picks up a file, his yellow eyes scanning the contents. "The one they're calling the 'Kamen Rider'? Yeah, we've been hearing about him. Strong Quirk, apparently. Some say it is a transformation type of Quirk."
"That's the problem," Naomasa says, his voice firm. "He's operating outside the law. He's killing villains. We can't allow that."
"But if he's taking out villains, isn't that a good thing?" Eizo asks, leaning back in his chair. "Less work for us, right?"
"It's not that simple, Eizo," Naomasa replies, his tone patient. "We can't condone vigilantism. It undermines the entire hero system. If we let one person decide who lives and dies, where does it end?"
Sansa nods in agreement. "He's right. We need to bring him in. At least question him."
Naomasa sighs, rubbing his temples. "I know. But he's elusive. He appears, deals with the situation, and disappears. No trace."
"Well, we'll find him," Sansa says, his feline eyes narrowing. "We always do."
Naomasa looks at his two colleagues, their faces filled with determination. He knows he can rely on them. They may have their differences, but they share the same commitment to justice.
"Alright," Naomasa says, his voice resolute. "Let's put all available resources into this. I want every lead followed, every witness interviewed. We need to find Kamen Rider and bring him in. We need to show the public that no one is above the law, no matter their intentions."
He stands up, his eyes gleaming with determination. "This vigilante may think he's doing what's right, but he's wrong. And it's our job to prove it."
…
Ace walks into Starry Café, tuning into the usual buzz. The Regulars—Ozaki, Miura, and Montana—are glued to the television. A news report blares about the Eternal Bloom incident. Kamen Rider's name flashes across the screen, along with allegations of villain killings.
Ha! They're talking about us! Finally, some recognition! Momotaros booms inside Ace's head.
Though, I must say, the media's portrayal is rather crude. We're more than just vigilantes, Urataros chimes in, ever the diplomat.
They don't understand the battles we've fought. They only see the surface, Kintaros rumbles.
Do they think Imagin are just weird people? That's sooo boring! Ryutaros whines.
Quiet, everyone. Let's see what they're saying about us, Ace thinks, trying to focus.
On screen, the anchor drones on about Kamen Rider's methods. "This vigilante has taken the law into his own hands, and we must ask ourselves if this is justice."
Ozaki scoffs, adjusting his glasses. "This Kamen Rider is nothing but a criminal. Taking the law into his own hands is unacceptable."
Montana leans back in his chair, his eyes narrowed. "Maybe he's just doing what the heroes can't. Sometimes, you gotta take care of things permanently."
Miura sighs, clutching his crystal pendant. "Violence is never the answer. We must seek harmony and understanding, not bloodshed."
This Ozaki guy is a jerk! I'd like to punch him in the face! Momotaros snarls.
Now, now, Senpai. Violence won't solve this. We need to be above such pettiness, Urataros retorts.
Montana has a point. Strength is sometimes necessary, Kintaros states, ever the pragmatist.
I like Montana! He's cool! Ryutaros cheers.
Everyone, stop arguing. We have to keep our cover, Ace mentally pleads, trying to mediate.
Ami walks over, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Taking a life is a heavy burden, but I think Kamen Rider must have a reason. Maybe he sees no other way to protect people."
Ami gets it! She's awesome! Momotaros exclaims, impressed.
Indeed, she's quite perceptive. A rare quality in this world, Urataros agrees.
She understands the weight of our actions. We must not disappoint her, Kintaros adds solemnly.
Ami is the best! Can we tell her the truth? Ryutaros asks excitedly.
Not yet, Ryutaros. It's too dangerous, Ace replies firmly.
He listens silently, feeling a knot of conflict in his stomach. Still, Ami's words are a balm. She doesn't see Kamen Rider as a mindless killer.
Ace, stop brooding! We're doing the right thing, Momotaros insists.
Ami's support is encouraging, but we must remain cautious, Urataros cautions.
Our duty is to protect, even if we're misunderstood, Kintaros says.
And maybe get some snacks later! Ryutaros interjects.
Focus, everyone. We have work to do, Ace reiterates, trying to steer his thoughts back on track.
Ami glances around, then turns to him. "Ace, could you check the stockroom? I think we're running low on soy sauce and sugar."
"Sure, Ami. I'll go right now," he replies, rising to his feet.
Great, more errands. Just what I wanted! Momotaros grumbles.
It's a chance to gather more information, Senpai. Stay alert, Urataros points out.
We must do our part to help Ami. She's counting on us, Kintaros says dutifully.
Can we get candy too? Pleeeease? Ryutaros begs.
Alright, let's go. But no distractions, Ryutaros, Ace agrees, heading towards the back. The Taros quiet down, knowing they'll be exploring the town soon.
Ace leaves Starry Café and navigates through Musutafu's bustling marketplace, a bag of groceries swinging from his hand. The streets are a chaotic tapestry of sounds and sights—vendors hawking their wares, children chasing each other, and snippets of conversations blending into a vibrant hum.
Man, this place is busy! Reminds me of the shopping district in my world, Ace muses, weaving through the crowd.
Suddenly, a deafening roar rips through the air. The ground trembles beneath his feet. Ace turns toward the source of the noise, his eyes widening in disbelief. A multi-story building a block away erupts in a violent explosion, sending debris flying in all directions. People scream, diving for cover.
Whoa! What the hell was that?! Momotaros roars in Ace's mind, his battle instincts flaring.
That's not a fire drill. Something's very wrong, Urataros observes, his tone laced with concern.
Is it a disturbance? Kintaros rumbles, ever vigilant.
Is it fireworks? Can we watch? Ryutaros pipes up, his childish curiosity piqued.
"No, Ryutaros. This isn't a show. People are in danger," Ace replies sternly, his focus shifting to the unfolding chaos.
Amidst the smoke and flames, a figure emerges, silhouetted against the inferno. A villain, radiating heat, stands triumphant amidst the destruction, his laughter echoing through the marketplace.
"HAHAHAHA! Behold, the power of Inferno! Tremble before my flames!" the villain bellows, raising his hands, jets of fire erupting from his palms. He cackles maniacally as he unleashes his power, sending flames licking across the street, igniting stalls and sending more bystanders scrambling.
Oh, great. A pyro with a bad attitude. I'm itching for a fight! Momotaros growls, eager for action.
This could get messy. We need to handle this with care, Urataros cautions, assessing the situation.
He's out of control. We must stop him before he hurts more people, Kintaros states, his voice firm.
This guy would do great working with fireworks! Ryutaros exclaims, ever the optimist.
Panic swells among the crowd. Bystanders frantically pull out their phones, dialing emergency numbers.
"Someone call the police! Or a Pro Hero! Hurry!" a woman screams, clutching her child.
"We need help! This is insane!" a man yells, his voice trembling.
Ace glances around, his mind racing. He knows the police and Pro Heroes will take time to arrive. Precious moments that the Inferno can use to cause untold damage. He can't stand by and watch.
Hey Ace! Let me at him! Momotaros demands, his impatience growing.
"No, Momotaros. I'll handle things this time," Ace replies, his decision firm.
He scans the surroundings, spotting a narrow alleyway between two buildings. It's secluded enough to transform without drawing too much attention.
"Alright, Taros, stay put. I've got this," Ace thinks, his resolve hardening.
He ducks into the alley, glancing around to ensure he's alone. The alley stinks of stale garbage and damp concrete, but Ace barely notices. He pulls out his Ryuki Advent Deck, and the V Buckle appears on his waist.
"Henshin!" Ace shouts, swiping the Advent Card across the V-Buckle.
A surge of energy courses through his body as the transformation begins. Crimson and silver armor materializes around him, encasing him in the form of Kamen Rider Ryuki. His resolve intensifies, he is ready to face Inferno and protect the innocent.
***
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