Hyuse's expression remained skeptical. "And why should we believe you?" The humanoid Neighbor met their gazes, her eyes revealing a glimmer of hope. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I can provide information about the other Neighbors and their plans. I believe we can find common ground."
But as the Border agents hesitated, the humanoid Neighbor's expression turned somewhat scornful. "Ah, you are all too skeptical. I see why Aftokrator's attack failed. They even left this one behind." The Neighbor pointed towards Hyuse.
Hyuse's face darkened with anger, his fists clenching his already activated Kogetsu, but he quickly regained his composure. "Aftokrator was weak," he retorted sharply. "Meeden is way stronger than you think." The humanoid Neighbor seemed taken aback by Hyuse's defiance, her demeanor shifting from scorn to a more contemplative stance. It appeared that Hyuse's words had struck a chord, prompting a moment of reflection.
The humanoid Neighbor nodded slowly, her expression growing somber. "I guess our peace talk here has failed." she said, her voice laced with disappointment. Osamu's brows furrowed in concern as he processed her words. "Failed peace talk?" he echoed, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.
Before they could delve further into the discussion, the humanoid snaps her finger. Within seconds a sudden disturbance rippled through the air, signaling the formation of a new gate nearby. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the tension in the air thickened with each passing moment.
Hyuse's grip tightened on his Kogetsu, his instincts on high alert. "Another gate?" he muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of imminent danger. Yuma's expression hardened, his gaze fixed on the ominous gateway materializing before them. "Not now," he muttered, a note of frustration creeping into his voice.
With the appearance of the new gate, their focus shifted once again to the immediate threat at hand. From the shimmering portal emerged a colossal Neighbor, towering over the agents and the humanoid Neighbor. It had an imposing presence, with dark, chitinous armor covering its immense body.
Osamu's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the colossal Neighbor emerging from the gate. "This isn't just any Bander," he remarked, his voice tinged with concern. "It's a different type, much larger and more formidable than what we've encountered before." Quickly, he relayed this information to Usami through his communicator. "Usami, it looks like we've got a new type of Bander here," he reported urgently. "Can you run it through the database?"
Usami's response crackled over the comm line, her voice tense. "Understood, Osamu. Running the data now." Osamu's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. "Yuma, Hyuse, be ready," he said, his voice steady but filled with determination. "We can't let these Neighbors advance any further."
Yuma's eyes gleamed with resolve, and Hyuse remained poised, their Triggers at the ready. They knew the drill, and they were prepared to put their training and teamwork to the test.
The Border agents moved cautiously, moving to position themselves strategically. The Neighbor, sensing their presence, let out a guttural growl, its eye locking onto its potential adversaries. As they prepared for the upcoming battle, Shiori Usami's voice urgently crackled through their communicators.
"Osamu, Hyuse, Yuma," she stressed, "I ran through the database, you're currently facing a new type Bander and a humanoid Neighbor we've never encountered before. Assume that they are stronger than the recent invasion. I strongly recommend you retreat, HQ has accepted my request for immediate backup. This is not a standard engagement."
"Roger that Usami, we are retreating. Yuma, Hyuse, fall back!" Osamu orders. Both Yuma and Hyuse nod their heads and begin tactfully retreating. Usami's voice cracked on their communicators again, "Wait, I'm getting an unregistered trigger signal on the radar…"
As the colossal Neighbor and the humanoid one loomed menacingly, and the group began their strategic withdrawal, a sudden burst of energy sliced through the air. The massive Neighbor was cleaved in one swift motion, its form disintegrating into shimmering particles.
The Border agents and the humanoid Neighbor were left in shock, staring at the scene in disbelief. A cloaked figure, standing at the base of the Bander, had unleashed a powerful attack, cleaving the new type in two.
As the shimmering particles settled, Osamu, Hyuse, and Yuma stood in stunned silence. The new type Bander that had moments ago threatened the city was now gone, reduced to mere specks of light. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, struggling to comprehend the situation as a hooded figure now stood where the Bander was.
As the Border agents exchanged wary glances with the cloaked figure, Shiori Usami's voice crackled over their communicators, breaking the tense silence. "Osamu, Hyuse, Yuma," she began, her tone laced with urgency, "The new type Bander's dot just disappeared, replaced by the unregistered trigger user. Who is in front of you? What just happened?"
Osamu quickly keyed his communicator, his mind racing to find the right words to convey the situation to Usami. "Usami, we're not entirely sure," he replied, his voice tight with uncertainty. "The new type Bander was suddenly eliminated by... this hooded figure. We're trying to assess the situation."
Hyuse's gaze remained fixed on the cloaked figure, his hand still poised on his Kogetsu as he listened to Usami's inquiries. "We cannot confirm the identity or motives of the new individual," he added, his tone guarded. "Proceeding with caution."
Yuma, ever the optimist, chimed in with his own observation. "Whoever they are, they just saved our lives," he interjected, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I don't think they intend to harm us."
Usami's response was immediate, her voice reflecting a mixture of concern and intrigue. "Understood," she replied, her words measured. "Keep a close eye on the situation and prioritize your safety. We need more information before making any decisions. Stay vigilant." The cloaked figure who had eliminated the new type Bander stood upright, his blade gleaming a red crimson.
As the humanoid Neighbor's gaze met the enigmatic figure's eyes, a sense of recognition crossed her face. She had detected the unique Trion energy signature; one she had encountered multiple times before. The realization dawned on her, and she spoke, her voice laced with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Hoshizora Kurenai," she uttered, the words carrying a weight of acknowledgment. "The Brimstone Shogun."
At the same moment, Osamu's eyes widened in realization, his gaze flickering between the hooded figure and the humanoid Neighbor. He exchanged a quick glance with Hyuse and Yuma, silently conveying the significance of their discovery. "It's him," Osamu murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hoshizora." The tension in the air thickened as the truth settled over the group.
They had encountered Hoshizora once again, but his presence raised more questions than answers. What was he doing here, and whose side was he truly on?
Meanwhile, Hoshizora remained silent beneath the hood of his cloak, his red eyes betraying none of his thoughts or emotions. He observed the exchange between the Border agents and the humanoid Neighbor with a calculating gaze, his next move shrouded in mystery.
Yuma swiftly radioed in to Usami, reporting their encounter with Hoshizora. "Usami, this is Yuma," he spoke into his communicator, his voice tinged with urgency. "We've identified the unregistered trigger user as Hoshizora Kurenai. His Trion signature matches the dot Border has been looking for."
Before Usami could respond, Commander-in-Chief Kido's voice boomed over the channel, his tone authoritative. "Osamu, Yuma, Hyuse," he commanded, "I have gotten Operator Usami's report. We need to capture Hoshizora and have him tell us his intentions. He is deemed a major threat to Mikado City, reinforcements are on its way." The Border agents exchanged uneasy glances, knowing that their encounter with Hoshizora had escalated the situation to a level of unprecedented complexity.
The contrast between Hoshizora's public image as a hero and his classification as a threat by Border perplexed Osamu. "Why is he deemed a major threat?" Osamu wondered aloud, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "The people of the city see him as a guardian, someone who acts faster than Border. Shouldn't that count for something?"
Hyuse nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "It's a valid question," he remarked, his voice measured. "Perhaps there's more to Hoshizora than meets the eye. Border must have their reasons for considering him a threat."
Yuma, ever the optimist, offered his perspective. "Maybe he's just misunderstood, like me" he suggested, his tone hopeful. "We don't know the full story yet. But one thing's for sure, we need to find out what Hoshizora's intentions are." As the Border agents exchanged speculative glances, the humanoid Neighbor couldn't help but taunt Hoshizora with a smirk. "Back for another round, Brimstone Shogun? Did you finally run out of hiding spots in Azafure? Or was your precious homeplace so thoroughly crushed that you had to escape, unable to protect it?"
With a furious gleam in his eyes, Hoshizora tightened his grip on his Kogetsu. The trion around him became thick, casting a suffocating and hazy atmosphere. His trigger crackled with intensity as he raised the weapon, the scent of brimstone filling the surroundings. The air itself seemed to tremble with his pent-up anger as he prepared to unleash his response to the taunts and accusations.
Hoshizora's response was measured, his voice a low growl barely contained beneath the surface. "You speak with such confidence for one who has faced defeat at my hands before," he retorted, his words carrying the weight of past confrontations. "Don't mistake my absence for weakness, Ainfai. I am here now, and I will protect this city from any threat, even if it means facing you once again."
"Protecting the city? Or perhaps you're just trying to salvage what's left of your reputation after your failures in Azafure," she mocked, her tone dripping with contempt. "Tell me, Brimstone Shogun, how many more lives will you sacrifice in your futile attempts to play the hero?"
Hoshizora's grip tightened on his Kogetsu, the air crackling with the intensity of his Trion. "I have no intention of sacrificing anyone, Ainfai," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. "Unlike you, I fight to protect, not to conquer. But if you insist on testing my resolve, be prepared for the consequences."
Ainfai's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with challenge. With a fluid motion, she reached for her black trigger, a wicked scythe named Jallad, and pulled it from its sheath. The weapon glinted ominously in the sunlight as she twirled it around her with practiced ease, the metallic sound cutting through the air like a sinister melody.
"Bold words, Brimstone Shogun," she remarked, her tone dripping with taunt. "Let's see if you can back them up." Her challenge issued, Ainfai stood poised and ready, her stance exuding confidence as she awaited Hoshizora's response.
Commander-in-Chief Kido's usually stern face twisted into a frown as he watched the confrontation unfold on the screen. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as he contemplated the situation. With Hoshizora's unexpected appearance and the escalation of tensions on the ground, Kido knew he had to act swiftly to maintain control and ensure the safety of Mikado City.Taking a deep breath, he made a decisive call. "Director Shinoda," he called out, his voice firm and authoritative, "I need immediate deployment of the reinforcements we summoned. Get Arashiyama Squad and Kazama Squad on the scene. We need to contain the situation before it escalates any further."
As his orders were swiftly relayed to Director Shinoda, Kido leaned forward, his focus unwavering. He knew that every second counted in this high-stakes scenario, and he was determined to bring the situation under control before it spiraled out of hand. "I want them on standby, but under no circumstances are they to engage until I give the order." His instincts leaned toward immediate elimination of both neighbors.
Director Shinoda's analytical mind was already at work. "Could this be an opportunity?" he wondered as he started at the big screen showing Hoshizora and the humanoid neighbor. "If he can control his Trigger to that extent, we might be able to use him for our benefit." Though his thoughts briefly diverged from the urgent matter at hand, Director Shinoda quickly refocused, knowing that there would be time for strategic considerations later. Right now, their priority was containing the situation on the ground.
Director Rindo, who had been observing the situation closely, leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's rare to see such a display of power," he mused. "He might be a valuable asset if we can gain his cooperation. He's clearly skilled, and if he's taken on Neighbors before, he might understand their tactics better than anyone."
Director Shinoda nodded thoughtfully, his expression mirroring Rindo's contemplative demeanor. "Indeed," he chimed in, his tone measured. "If we can leverage his knowledge and expertise, Hoshizora could prove to be a valuable asset in our ongoing battle against the Neighbors. It's worth considering how we might approach him diplomatically to secure his cooperation.
Commander-in-Chief Kido watched the unfolding battle from Border HQ's control room, his stern expression revealing nothing of his inner thoughts. He had initially been skeptical of the vigilante's presence and motives, but as he observed the confrontation with the humanoid Neighbor, a hint of intrigue flashed in his eyes.
As the fierce battle unfolded before their eyes in the Forbidden Zone, Osamu, Hyuse, and Yuma watched with bated breath. The sheer power and intensity of the clash between Hoshizora and the humanoid Neighbor left them in awe, each with their own thoughts and concerns.
Osamu's mind raced as he observed the fight. He couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of Hoshizora. Who was he, and why was he fighting this humanoid Neighbor? Osamu knew that there were countless mysteries surrounding Hoshizora and the humanoid Neighbor. "The Neighbor is a Black trigger user, she has a scythe, which should be more advantageous to Hoshizora's Kogetsu blade."
Yuma, on the other hand, seemed almost intrigued by the unfolding battle. He had never encountered a Neighbor fighting quite like this and was keen to study his abilities. Yuma's mind was already at work, analyzing the combat techniques used by both sides. "Hm, Hoshizora is skilled with his Kogetsu, he makes his range disadvantage look like nothing."
Yuma's attention shifted momentarily from Hoshizora to the humanoid Neighbor, his analytical mind dissecting her combat style. "She wields that scythe with precision," he observed quietly, his eyes focused on her movements. "Her advantage in range is clear, but she also seems adept at closing the distance when needed. It's an interesting adaptation." Despite the intensity of the battle, Yuma's curiosity drove him to analyze both combatants, seeking to understand the intricacies of their strategies and techniques.
Hyuse's expression was a mix of emotions. He was impressed by Hoshizora's skill and determination, but he also felt a sense of unease. There was something about this battle that didn't sit right with him, something beyond the physical combat. "This doesn't bode well for the Jallad user; she doesn't hold a candle to the combat strategies Hoshizora has. Plus, I feel pure animosity from him. This fight is personal."
Hyuse quickly keyed his communicator, his tone urgent as he radioed Usami. "Usami, this is Hyuse," he spoke, his voice edged with concern. "Where is our backup?" Usami's voice crackled over the communicator, her response swift and reassuring. "Arashiyama squad is en route to your location," she reported, her tone steady despite the urgency. "Kazama squad is also en route. Retreat to a safe area, help is on the way."
As Hyuse finished his communication with Usami, Osamu glanced at the battle, his expression focused. "Usami, are you recording this?" he inquired, anticipation evident in his voice.
Before Osamu could finish, her voice chimed in over the communicator. "Already ahead of you, Osamu," she replied, her tone confident. "We'll have a breakdown of Hoshizora's fighting style as well as the humanoid Neighbor's tactics soon. Stay focused and keep us updated on any changes."
With their immediate concerns addressed and tactical retreat ongoing, the agents continued to observe the battle, their eyes fixed on the dramatic showdown unfolding before them. In the heart of the intense clash, Hoshizora and the humanoid Neighbor engaged in a frenetic dance of combat. The metallic ring of their weapons meeting echoed through the air, accompanied by the crackling energy of their triggers.
Hoshizora's strikes were swift and calculated, fluid like water. With each swing, he burned through the air, leaving trails of crimson energy in his wake. His footwork was agile and precise, allowing him to evade Ainfai's sweeping attacks while closing the distance between them.
Meanwhile, Ainfai wielded her scythe with a grace born of numerous battles. The curved blade of Jallad sliced through the air with ease, each swing leaving behind a trail of dark Trion particles. Her movements were fluid yet unpredictable, keeping Hoshizora on the defensive as she relentlessly pressed her advantage in range.
"Why are you fighting for the Meedens? Looking for another place called home? Don't worry, we won't hurt the Meedens." Ainfai asks, showing no struggle against Hoshizora. "You know very well what your people will do, Ainfai." He retorted through gritted teeth. "Your invasion destroyed Azafure, my home, and took countless lives. You left nothing but ruins and despair in your wake."
Her grin widened, and her eyes sparkled with malicious delight. "Ah, it was a pleasure to watch Azafure crumble," she admitted, her tone filled with a chilling enthusiasm. "The chaos, the destruction, the screams of despair - it was all so invigorating."