Chapter 119: Chapter 29
The sun shines brightly over Musutafu, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets. People go about their daily lives. Heroes patrol, keeping a watchful eye on the city, ever vigilant for signs of trouble.
A young boy clutches an All Might action figure, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he watches a hero soar through the sky. A group of friends laugh as they share a meal at a cafe, their conversation animated and carefree. An old woman tends to her garden, her hands weathered but gentle as she nurtures her plants.
Life continues. It's an ordinary day, the city humming with the rhythm of everyday existence.
But, not everything is as it seems.
Amidst the ordinary, a figure stands out. Cloaked in shadow, a man with an eerie aura occupies the center of an empty lot. His hood conceals most of his face, yet the glint of madness shines through. He is Goto Imasuji, better known as Muscular.
His Quirk, Muscle Augmentation, allows him to amplify his muscle fibers exponentially. They swell, tearing through his skin to form a grotesque armor. This augmentation grants him unbelievable strength and resilience.
Even now, beneath the hooded cloak, his muscles twitch and writhe, eager to be unleashed. He stands there, a silent predator amidst the oblivious crowd, a harbinger of chaos waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The air around him crackles with a palpable sense of danger. Muscular is in Musutafu, and the city's peace is about to be shattered.
Muscular raises his arms, tearing off the cloak to reveal the monstrous mass of muscle beneath. He inhales deeply, relishing the fresh air before his rampage.
"Time for some fun," Muscular says, his voice a guttural growl.
He takes a step forward, then another, and then he is running. The ground shakes with each stride as his amplified muscles propel him forward. Civilians scream, scattering like leaves in the wind.
[SCREAMS]
"Run, little sheep!" Muscular bellows, his laughter echoing through the streets. "Run while you still can!"
Two police officers draw their weapons and take aim.
"Stop right there!" one of them yells. "We will use lethal force if necessary."
Muscular grins, baring his teeth. "Lethal force? Against me? Show me what you've got!"
The officers open fire. Bullets ping off his augmented flesh, doing little to no damage. Muscular ignores the barrage and charges towards them, his speed unbelievable.
In a flash, he reaches the first officer, grabbing him by the head.
[CRUNCH]
With a sickening squeeze, the officer's skull collapses. He tosses the lifeless body aside.
The second officer watches in horror, his hands trembling as he tries to reload. Muscular is on him before he can react. A swift kick sends the officer flying through the air, crashing into a nearby wall. The officer doesn't get up.
Muscular surveys the scene, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. More people run, their screams a symphony to his ears.
"Is that all?" he roars, flexing his muscles. "I want to see blood! Show me your blood!"
Suddenly, a torrent of water slams into Muscular, knocking him off balance. He stumbles back, momentarily stunned. He wipes the water from his face, glaring in the direction it came from.
"Who dares interrupt my fun?" Muscular bellows, his voice dripping with rage.
Standing before him are a man and a woman, both clad in red vests with black bodysuits. White gloves and shoulders, along with face visors, adorn them. Snorkels are attached to their face masks, completing their look.
"We do," the man says, his voice firm and unwavering. "We are Water Hose, and we're here to stop you."
Beside him, the woman nods in agreement. "Your rampage ends here."
Hiroshi Izumi, known as Cascade, possesses the Quirk Hydrokinetic Surge. He can generate and manipulate high-pressure streams from his hands. It allows him to deliver powerful blasts of water or create defensive barriers.
Asami Izumi, known as Torrent, has the Quirk Aqua Form. She can transform her body into water, making her elusive and capable of flowing into tight spaces. She can also ensnare enemies with her liquid form.
Muscular's grin widens, a crazed glint lighting up his eyes. "Water Hose? I've heard of you two. Always sticking your noses where they don't belong." A thrill courses through him. "Well, well, well. Looks like I get to make a name for myself by crushing some heroes. And, I can't wait to see your blood!"
Cascade steps forward, his expression grim. "We're not going to let you hurt anyone else." He raises his hands, focusing his Quirk. "Torrent, take the flanks!"
Torrent nods, her body shimmering as she begins to liquefy, flowing around Muscular like a rising tide. Cascade unleashes a torrent of water, aiming to knock the villain off his feet. The water strikes Muscular, but he stands firm, muscles flexing against the force.
Muscular laughs, unfazed. "Is that all you've got? You'll have to do better than that to even tickle me!"
Torrent, now a swirling vortex of water, lashes out, attempting to trap Muscular's legs. He leaps into the air, muscles coiling, and slams down, creating a shockwave that disperses Torrent's liquid form.
"Too slow!" Muscular roars.
He charges at Cascade, who unleashes another blast of water. Muscular barrels through it, unfazed. He grabs Cascade's arm, his grip like a vise.
[SNAP]
Cascade cries out as Muscular's grip breaks his arm.
"Hiroshi!" Torrent screams, solidifying to protect her husband, but Muscular is too fast.
He slams his fist into her face.
[CRACK]
Torrent crumples to the ground, unconscious. Muscular turns his attention back to Cascade, who is struggling to stand, clutching his broken arm.
"Now, where were we?" Muscular sneers. "Oh, right. Your blood!" He raises his fist.
A collective gasp sweeps through the onlookers. They watch with wide, fearful eyes as the villain towers over the fallen hero, his intent unmistakable. The crowd is a sea of worried faces, their hopes pinned on Water Hose, praying for a miracle. They whisper encouragements, their voices barely audible above the roaring of the villain.
A news camera crew records the scene live, broadcasting the horror to the world. The cameraman shakily zooms in on the unfolding tragedy, the red light of the camera a stark contrast to the dimming hope in the street.
In a small apartment not far from the battle, a young boy sits glued to the television screen. Kota Izumi, Water Hose's son, clutches an All Might plushie, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination.
"Dad! Mom! Don't lose!" Kota shouts, his voice cracking with emotion. "You can do it! I know you can!"
Muscular grabs both Water Hose and throws them towards a pet shop. The glass shatters as Water Hose crash into it, sending animals scattering in panic. Birds squawk, hamsters squeak, and kittens hiss as they flee their cages, seeking refuge from the chaos.
Cascade groans, pushing himself up. He crawls towards his wife, his face etched with worry. "Asami! Asami, are you okay?"
Torrent coughs, blood trickling down her chin. "I'm fine," she gasps, her voice weak. "Just... some broken ribs, I think."
"Don't push yourself," Cascade says, his voice filled with concern. "Just stay down."
Muscular steps through the debris, his shadow falling over Water Hose. "Aww, how touching," he mocks. "A loving couple reunited just before their demise."
He raises his foot, ready to crush them, ready to deliver the final blow. The onlookers scream, their voices reaching a fever pitch. Kota's eyes fill with tears.
And then, everything stops.
[🎶 Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?! Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?! 🎶]
The distinct sound of a hip-hop beat fills the air. The unexpected music clashes jarringly with the scene of violence, momentarily snapping everyone out of their terror-stricken daze. Muscular pauses, lowering his foot, a look of utter bewilderment spreading across his face.
"What the hell is that?" Muscular asks, looking around in confusion.
Every head turns in the direction of the music, all eyes converging on a single point down the street. The crowd parts, an aisle forming as a figure emerges, dancing his way into the scene.
It is Ace, or rather, Ryutaros inhabiting Ace's body. He bounces with a carefree energy, his purple eyes sparkling with joy. The black cap sits jauntily on his head, barely containing his curly hair, and his face mask, pulled down, revealing a wide grin.
Behind him is a dance group, their faces blank and unseeing, moving in perfect synchronicity. They mirror his every step, their movements robotic and unsettling, yet strangely captivating. The music pulsates from a speaker seemingly attached to Ryutaros himself, the hip-hop beat filling the air, a stark contrast to the scene of violence and despair.
Climax Jump (HIPHOP ver.)
[🎶 Ii jan! Sugee jan?! Ii jan! Sugee jan?!
Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?! Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?!
Kanaetai yume ga aru nara
Mune no naka minna hisoka ni
CATCH THE WAVE
1-2-3-4!
IN YOUR HANDS
Hajimari wa itsumo totsuzen
Unmei wo tsurete yuku Time tripin' ride
Fukanou wo koete
Tsukami toru sa Climax
Kawaru koto wo osorenaide
Ashita no jibun mi ushinau dake
Dare yori takai sora e tobou ze Climax—Climax—Climax Jump!
Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?!
Ii jan! Ii jan! Sugee jan?!🎶]
Ryutaros lip-syncs and dances, leading his enthralled backup dancers with a childlike energy. It's as if he is oblivious to the chaos surrounding him. The crowd stares, their fear slowly replaced by a mix of confusion and morbid curiosity. The camera crew struggles to keep up, the cameraman's lens shaking as he captures the bizarre scene.
He stops a few meters away from Muscular, the music cutting off abruptly. The sudden silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by Ryutaros's cheerful voice.
"Hey, ugly!" Ryutaros says, tilting his head. "What do you think you are doing?"
Muscular furrows his brow, his expression darkening. "Who the hell are you, brat?" he asks.
Ryutaros pays no mind. He spots the scattered, frightened animals fleeing. His eyes narrow.
"Hey," Ryutaros says, pointing at the chaos with a manicured finger. "Were you the one who made all those cute animals scared?"
Muscular stares at Ryutaros, a vein throbbing in his forehead. "Who is this rude kid?" he thinks, barely containing his fury.
"What if I was?" Muscular replies, a hint of menace in his voice.
Ryutaros's expression shifts, his playful demeanor vanishing. "I'm angry now," he says, his voice lower.
Muscular scoffs. "Oh, you're angry? What do you think I care?"
Muscular steps forward. "Get out of my way, twerp, or I'll kill you too."
Ryutaros's grin returns, wider. "It's alright," he says.
With a flourish, Ryutaros spins, and from thin air, the Den-O Belt materializes around Ace's waist. He presses the purple button, and electronic music fills the street. It's upbeat and energetic, matching Ryutaros's boundless enthusiasm.
"Henshin," Ryutaros says, his voice echoing slightly as he swipes the Rider Pass.
[GUN FORM]
Blackness envelops his body. Four sections of armor fly in. Each snaps into place on Ace's body. Purple and silver armor comes together, forming a V shape on his chest. On the edges of the V, two orbs, cradled by dragon claws, gleam.
A final piece of dragon-shaped armor cascades over his head, folding and shifting. It becomes a purple, V-shaped visor framed by golden horns and whiskers. The horns and whiskers look like a dragon. Kamen Rider Den-O Gun Form is complete.
Ryutaros strikes a pose, Den-O Gun Form gleaming in the sunlight.
"Mind if I defeat you? Can't hear your answer!"
Muscular stares, dumbfounded. His rage falters, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. The crowd is a sea of widened eyes. Even the camera crew has stopped shaking, their focus entirely on the newly arrived hero. Kota, watching from his apartment, cheers.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz