The shield from Takemi gave Kazama enough time to retreat and reposition himself alongside her. Tanaka's blazing fist melted through the force field like molten metal through paper. Takemi kept her left hand semi-raised, still on guard despite the breach.

Tanaka shrugged off asphalt and ash from his right hand, smiling as he looked at Takemi before turning his attention back to Kazama.

"So after all that talk and evasive maneuvers, you needed a girl to save your ass," he said, pointing at Kazama while holding his stomach and laughing. "Hahaha."

"What is the meaning of this?" Takemi demanded.

"And who might you be, miss?"

"I am a student from Tokyo Super High. I would like to know why a reputed hero such as yourself is fighting with a student from my school—" She glanced at Kazama with an annoyed expression, causing him to turn his face away, she checks her watch ,"—at 7 AM.".

"Oh, it's nothing like that. You see, there was an incident here last night. And I was assigned to this area to investigate and look out for suspects."

"I didn't know looking out for suspects involved using powers against high schoolers. Even if you have the license to do so, it doesn't mean you should do it, right?"

Tanaka clapped his hands once. "You are absolutely right, young lady. I apologize. You see, the individual I am looking for is very dangerous, and I might have mistaken this young fellow for the individual I am looking for."

"Well, if it was just a misunderstanding, we would be on our way."

Takemi turned to leave as Tanaka spoke up again.

"Wait."

She stopped and turned back.

"I answered your questions, and now it's time for you to answer mine."

Takemi nodded.

"What are you really doing here? But most importantly, both of you will tell me your names. For official purposes, of course."

There is no choice, I guess.

"Kazama Raiden."

"Tachibana Takemi."

Tanaka's face lit up slightly at the second name.

"Tachibana, huh. Now back to my earlier question."

"I already answered. I was going to my Senpai's so that we could train together."

"That's bullshit and you know it as well."

"He is telling the truth," Takemi interjected.

Kazama made a doubtful face, surprised by her support.

"He was going to train with my brother. I came here to check why he was late," she said, lying as naturally as breathing.

"Oh, is that so. So your future alibi checks out. Well then, it was a waste of time. Hmm. Seems like I took you guys for a threat when you're just aspiring heroes. Be careful, kids—it's a big world."

"But why did you go so far as to attack me?" Kazama spoke up.

Tanaka ignored the question, turned back, and dashed off with tremendous power, leaving behind air shockwaves that rippled through the morning air. Both Kazama and Takemi watched as he disappeared to the next block.

Kazama casually turned and started walking. He bumped into an invisible barrier.

"Don't you think you owe me an explanation? Or a thanks?" Takemi said, hands on her hips.

"And why would that be the case? I didn't ask for your help."

Takemi pouted, clearly annoyed.

Kazama started walking again and bumped into the invisible barrier once more.

He sighed. "Fine. I lied when I said I was going to train with some senpai."

"That was very obvious."

"I was here on my... morning run," he said, lying as smoothly as breathing. "Trying to get into better shape for the evaluations. Figured the backstreets would be quieter. This route has been part of my routine for over a year. Didn't know I would face this much trouble in the morning."

Guess that explains the parkour. I'm not much familiar with this area anyway, except that one time.

"And thanks."

Takemi was flustered, not expecting the gratitude.

"That hero was relentless," Kazama continued with a faint smile, another lie slipping out effortlessly. "To be honest, I wouldn't have survived that move."

"You're most welcome. You see, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

Kazama didn't respond and started walking again, hands in his pockets. Takemi quietly followed without thinking much.

Meanwhile, Tanaka dialed Shirai Takeru's number. Takeru had been sleeping like a baby ever since he left Tanaka at the scene. Yes, the important meeting was a lie.

"Sorry to disturb you, Shirai-san. How was your meeting?"

"Meeting? What meeting?" Takeru yawned.

"That one you mentioned before leaving."

"Oh yeah," Takeru replied, lying as if he was breathing. "It was good. There was even mention of your work. Everyone thinks really highly of you."

"Wow. Really?"

"Yes. And what's up? Did you find anything?"

"Actually, there is a problem."

Tanaka proceeded to describe everything that had happened.

"You what?"

"I'm sorry, Shirai-san."

"You fuck up everything every time. Man, I was so wrong to trust you, knowing you're so useless."

"But you just said—"

"You not only attacked two high schoolers but also used your powers, which I told you not to use."

"But Shirai-san. The boy was the exact profile except for the powers. He just wouldn't use his powers for some reason. He was definitely hiding something. He dodged or countered every single one of my physical blows. If he were to counter or retaliate, it would have been an even match between us."

"I don't care what— Wait, really? Coming from you, that's really high praise. And what about the girl?"

"She had some force field powers. She was also a Tachibana. I assumed she was related to 'THE STRONGEST,' so I treaded carefully there."

"Hmm. Tachibana. Makes sense. And can you tell me the name of the boy again?"

"Kazama Raiden from Tokyo Super High."

Kazama and Takemi reached school together. They hadn't spoken to each other the entire way. Before entering, Kazama checked his pocket. There was a badge that read "Together in darkness."

The badge was crafted from dark gold with black outlining—heavy and thick, bearing the image of a black moon with a one-line oath written beneath it. The weight of it seemed to carry more significance than its size suggested.