5-year-old Daisuke frolics in the garden behind his family’s mansion. His mother is sitting at a bench, watching him, with Matsui standing nearby.

Matsui: Look at him… so happy.

Fumiko: Yes, I’m glad at least one of my boys can enjoy days like today.

Matsui: Mrs. Ohtani, please don’t think like that.

Fumiko: It’s alright, Matsui. I knew what I was signing up for all those years ago.

Matsui: *grunts*

Fumiko: We may seem like a family, but Daichi and Daisuke have very different paths ahead of them.

Matsui: I just pray his father doesn’t resent him forever.

Fumiko: Resent him for what?

Matsui is quiet.

Matsui: Do you need me to say it?

Fumiko: I know… Daisuke looks just like me. Do you know what Kanaye said to me the other day?

Matsui: Hm?

Fumiko: He said Daisuke is an Ohtani in name alone. He has too much of my… “inferior blood.”

Matsui: *sighs*

Fumiko: He said that to you as well, didn’t he?

Matsui: Many times… yes.

Silence…

Fumiko: You were his Butler growing up, correct?

Matsui: Yes, I’ve known Kanaye since he was a baby.

Fumiko: Was he… always this cold?

Matsui: No… but he was the first-born Ohtani son. No matter how warm he was… he was always going to have his heart frozen over.

Fumiko: And you believe that will happen to Daichi?

Matsui is silent for a few moments.

Matsui: Yes. He is destined to be just like his father…

Fumiko: I see…

Matsui: I’m sorry.

Fumiko: It’s okay.

Matsui: Hm?

Fumiko: We must do everything we can to keep Daisuke pure, and maybe… he’ll break this vicious cycle.

Matsui: How?

Fumiko: I don’t know, but… I will always be there to protect him from his father… and his brother.

Matsui stares at Fumiko.

Fumiko: Tell me, Matsui. If you had to choose between Daisuke and his father. Who would you choose?

Matsui: Why do you ask?

Fumiko: I-

Daisuke: *from afar* Mommy, mommy! Come look at this flower! It’s really pretty!

Fumiko: I’ll be right there, honey!

Fumiko turns to Matsui.

Fumiko: Ignore my previous question. I’m sorry.

Fumiko joins Daisuke in the garden, admiring the lilacs together. Matsui watches them.

Matsui: (Fumiko…)

Matsui notices Daisuke’s father, Kanaye, staring at Fumiko and Daisuke in the garden with a look of disgust on his face.

Matsui: (Kanaye… that’s the boy you used to be…)

Silver wakes up.

Silver: Ugh… my head.

He looks around.

Silver: This isn’t my room? And why am I naked- Oh god…

Saige: Oh, Silvy…

Silver: *groans*

Saige springs up.

Saige: Boy, was that fun or what!

Silver: Thankfully, I can’t remember.

Saige: I can! “Oh, Saige, your boobs are so soft.” “It’s like sticking my dick in a blanket fresh out of the dry-”

Silver covers Saige’s mouth.

Silver: Shut up.

Saige: *muffled* That’s the opposite of what you said last night.

Silver: *sighs*

Silver stands up and starts getting dressed.

Silver: I know you’re not going to, but don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, got it?

Saige: Oh, I don’t kiss and tell.

Saige winks.

Silver: You just love being annoying, don’t you?

Saige: And I know you love it.

Silver: Yeah, right.

Silver notices a light on Saige’s computer blinking.

Silver: Is something wrong?

Saige: Hm? Oh, that. Someone’s been trying to hack into my camera system.

Silver: Camera system?

Saige: Yeah, the one in your room is located right under your sense of pride. I had to place it somewhere big, so you wouldn’t find it.

Silver: Very funny and an invasion of everyone’s privacy.

Saige: Relax, contrary to popular belief, I’m not just some pervert. I installed them after we got back from the Provisional Licensing Exam when Jace was still acting like a psychopath. I thought they’d help us figure out the problem, but then the Vampire Queen stuff happened, and he took over the school, so…

Silver: So, these cameras are just for emergencies?

Saige: Yeah, the only ones I watch closely are Isaiah and Demetri’s because, well, you know.

Silver: So, you don’t have shower cams?

Saige is quiet.

Silver: I thought so-

Saige: Relax, they’re not in the stalls. I can’t see anything unless you gallivant around naked. And their security is much higher.

Silver: *sighs* Well, you’d better take them down if someone's hacking into them.

Saige: Nope, our peeping tom has already made a fatal mistake.

Silver: Hm?

Saige: I’ve been letting them hack through the system unopposed so I can figure out what they’re after.

Silver: How so?

Saige: Well, do you think it’s a coincidence that we have four new arrivals to the dorm, and someone starts hacking my cams the same night?

Silver: No, so it’s probably one of them.

Saige: Yeah, and when the attacks began, who was the only one of the four not at the party?

Silver: That Lara girl.

Saige: Yup, and you want to take a guess at which camera she took control of first?

Silver: The one in her room, but why does she want to survey everyone?

Saige: Don’t know; I guess we can hope she’s just a horny quiet girl.

Silver: Hope?

Saige: What, as opposed to the idea she’s spying on us for blackmail?

Saige gets out of bed and starts typing at the computer.

Saige: I doubt she’s an idiot. She must know I’m on to her; I’m interested in her next move.

Silver: Ugh, put on a shirt.

Saige: That’s the opposite of what you said-

Silver: Look, why don’t we just confront her? It’s not like the chances of her being up to something malicious are high.

Saige: Yeah, but they’re not zero. Going right to her might complicate things. She is new to our country and doesn’t seem like the most social person ever. If we accuse her now and are wrong, there’s a chance that we’ll alienate her.

Silver: So, what do you suggest?

Saige: I’m going to take the cams offline and see what she does.

Silver: Are you sure it’s not better to be safe than sorry?

Saige: Why don’t you let me deal with this? I have it handled. She’s at a disadvantage because she doesn’t know my identity.

Silver hesitates.

Silver: Fine, but you’d better tell me if things go wrong. I’m going to keep tabs on this.

Saige: If you need an update, my door is always open.

Saige winks.

Silver: *groans* One question before I go: What happens when she finds out you’re the one who set up the cams?

Saige: She’s barely talked to anyone; who will tell her?

Hayze hears a knock at his door and answers it.

Hayze: Hello?

Lara: Good morning.

Hayze: Uh, Lara, what’s up?

Lara: May I come in?

Hayze: Sure, why?

Lara enters and shows Hayze a small surveillance camera.

Lara: I found this in my room. I don’t know if it’s standard, but it makes me uncomfortable.

Hayze: Oh, that must be one of Saige’s. She’s… weird.

Lara: (Saige, huh?)

Hayze: She’s got one in everyone’s room. She’ll probably try to replace it, but I’ll tell her not to.

Lara: Thank you.

Lara looks around Hayze’s room.

Hayze: Uh… is something wrong?

Lara: I’ve never seen an American Boy’s bedroom before. It’s different than I expected.

Hayze: Well, my room is pretty bland. You could probably-

Lara “accidentally” pushes over Hayze’s lamp, breaking it.

Lara: Oh, I’m so sorry.

Hayze: Don’t worry, it’s alright.

Hayze kneels down to pick up the shattered glass, allowing Lara to place an audio wiretap beneath his desk.

Lara: (This will do for now.)

Hayze tosses the glass in his trash.

Hayze: Anyway, if you-

Lara is gone.

Hayze: I guess she must have been embarrassed.

The Top 2 through 10 heroes, Vulcan, Exciton, Lust, Evergreen, Gundam, Impact, Big Tank, Kleptogirl, and Aster, are gathered at the Top 10 Hero Summit. Silas, Daniele, and Yul sit at an outer table, spectating with the other attendants.

Gundam: Thank you all for assembling here on short notice; I’m glad almost everyone is here.

Vulcan scoffs.

Gundam: As you’re all aware from my messages yesterday, my apprentice, Kevin Bohm, was attacked by Iota’s men. He suffered no significant injuries, but his exo-suit, the MKIII, was stolen. We’ve gathered here so I can relay important information about the incident and plan the next steps.

Vulcan: Why was your apprentice attacked in particular? And where were you?

Exciton: Also, why did they steal his exo-suit? It’s inferior technology compared to your mech suit.

Gundam: Two of those questions can be answered together. A Bank Robbery occurred near my workshop, but a sniper fired at us while we were en route. Kevin volunteered to attack the assailant while I thwarted the robbery. However, it was all a setup. They wanted Kevin for the MKIII. More specifically, I assume they were after the programming for my FABRA System. An autonomous repair method for machinery.

Big Tank: Why would we want that?

Gundam: For this.

A projector flares on at the center of their roundtable, displaying footage of Yusuf battling Kevin, shocking everyone in the room.

Impact: What is that?!

Gundam: You’re looking at a Cybernetic Quirk.

Evergreen: A Cybernetic what?

Gundam: Iota found a way to drastically increase the power of every soldier in his army. This one, Yusuf, was as weak as a wet piece of paper, and he just took out my best man.

Big Tank: He’s gone insane!

Vulcan: How could someone have done this? This kind of technology is out of our reach.

Gundam: Not exactly. I’ve fiddled with the concept in the past, but there’s no way anyone would be legally allowed to do this to another human being. It’s out of our reach because we have morals; Iota does not.

Exciton: So, what could this do to the strongest members of his forces?

Gundam: With enough upgrades and combat tests, they could eventually rival our power.

The room gets tense.

Vulcan: I’ll melt those Cybernetics right off their bodies.

Gundam: You might not have to, Vulcan.

Lust: Hm? Why not, Gundam?

Gundam: Nobody ever asked how Kevin, who’s completely incapacitated without his exo-suit, lived through this event.

Big Tank: How?

Gundam: Exciton, why don’t you tell everyone about your newest hero.

Exciton: With pleasure.

Daisuke is standing at the front steps of the dorm, watching the clouds as a slight breeze passes.

Daisuke: (What a wonderful day for my first hero class in America.)

Zach and Jace jog to the dorm, sweating and wearing athletic clothes.

Zach: Man… that was a great run! I’m glad you didn’t get out of shape over the summer.

Jace: I may be out of the hero course, but I still have pride!

Zach: Oh, hey, Daisuke! What are you doing up so early?

Daisuke: I was just getting some fresh air to calm my nerves. What about you?

Zach: Kind of the same thing. Some cardio helps me calm down, but don’t worry. The first day of school is never too bad.

Jace: How would you know? You were knocked out for both of them.

Zach: Why do you think I’m stressing?

Daisuke laughs.

Jace: Daisuke, right? I’m Jace; it’s nice to meet you.

Daisuke: It’s nice to meet you as well.

Zach: Wanna jog to the mess hall for some breakfast?

Jace: Yeah, I’m down.

Daisuke: Actually, I think it’s going to start raining soon. You should eat here, so you don’t get trapped by the rain.

Jace looks at the sky.

Jace: You sure? It doesn’t look like it’s gonna rain.

Zach: Oh, this must be one of your Future Flashes, right?

Jace: His what?

Zach: Trust me, Jace, we should listen to Daisuke.

Jace: Oh… okay, sure.

Jace and Zach head inside. Just as they enter the dorm, thunder cracks, and it starts pouring.

Jace: Holy crap!

Zach: See? Daisuke could put the weather channel out of business.

Jace: I guess so; thanks, man!

Daisuke: Don’t mention it.

Zach: I think Gus and Justus got some cereal yesterday. Let’s grab some before the good boxes are gone.

Jace: Good call.

Jace and Zach depart, but Daisuke stays at the entrance, staring at the ground before the dorm’s steps. Then, a few seconds later, lightning strikes that exact spot.

Daisuke: *sighs*

A flashback begins. 12-year-old Daisuke sits at his mother’s bedside in a hospital, and Matsui stands at the doorway.

Fumiko: Daisuke, where is your brother?

Daisuke: He has a lesson with his math tutor. He wanted to come, but Father wouldn’t allow him.

Fumiko: I’m not surprised.

Fumiko coughs hard.

Fumiko: Your father has his priorities.

Daisuke clenches his fists.

Fumiko: Daisuke.

Daisuke: Yes, mother?

Fumiko: If you have something to say, speak, it’s not good to bottle up your feelings.

Daisuke hesitates.

Daisuke: Does… does Father care about us? All he ever does is work. He spends more time at his company than with me. When was the last time he came to visit you? Now, he won’t even let Daichi go with me.

Fumiko holds out her hand.

Fumiko: Hold my hand, Daisuke.

Daisuke grasps his mother’s hand.

Fumiko: I swear to you, your father loves you dearly.

Daisuke: Then- then why-

Fumiko: His company represents his honor. Our family has been wealthy for generations because of it. His father groomed him to one day lead Ohtani Industries just as his father did before him. He owes it to them to ensure that the company continues to bring wealth and fortune to the many generations of our family that follow. Your brother also follows that path; someday, Daichi will take your father’s place. Consider yourself lucky, Daisuke. He will take on all of the responsibility of the company while you can raise your family with our vast fortune and spend time with your children. The way your father cannot.

Daisuke: But…

Fumiko: But what?

Daisuke: Why does he look at me like I’m worthless?

Fumiko: Because that’s your father’s way of trying to strengthen you.

Daisuke: How?!

Fumiko: He doesn’t want you to be weak. If you aren’t going to take over the company, you need to be strong on your own. You must be able to defend your wife and children someday, and if Daichi requires your assistance, you must be ready to answer his call.

Daisuke goes quiet.

Daisuke: You didn’t answer the other half of my question.

Fumiko: Hm?

Daisuke: Does he care about you, mother?

Fumiko stares at Daisuke.

Fumiko: That’s complicated…

Daisuke: What do you mean?! You’re his wife! Shouldn’t he-

Fumiko: We didn’t fall in love, Daisuke. Our parents arranged for us to be married.

Daisuke: Wh- what?

Fumiko: I didn’t want you to know, but since I won’t be around much longer… You deserve to hear the truth from me. I care about your father, Daisuke, but we aren’t in love.

Daisuke is silent.

Fumiko: With that said, promise me one thing.

Daisuke: Hm?

Fumiko: Find the woman of your dreams; don’t let your father choose your wife.

That night, Daisuke is lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Daisuke: (Father loves me dearly? Why can’t I believe that? He’s never paid any attention to me or my accomplishments. All he cares about is Daichi… I wish he-)

Daisuke’s door swings open. 14-year-old Daichi enters.

Daichi: Daisuke? Are you awake?

Daisuke: Yes, brother. Why… Why are you here?

Daichi approaches Daisuke’s bed; he’s visibly exhausted.

Daisuke: Brother?

Daichi slaps Daisuke.

Daisuke: OW! Why did you do that?!

Daichi: Why couldn’t you have been born first…

Daisuke: Huh? What?

Daichi: You’re so lucky…

Daichi walks to the door.

Daichi: You get all of the perks… without any of the work.

Daisuke: What do you mean?

Daichi: I just spent 14 hours straight being tutored… this is my life, and I don’t get to live it, but you… You get to do whatever you want, never work a day in your life, and mooch off my hard work. Just because you were born second… I hate you.

Daichi leaves. Daisuke bursts into tears.

Daisuke: Daichi…

Later, Daisuke roams the halls of his home.

Daisuke: (I need an ice pack for-)

Daisuke notices a light is on and hears voices; he creeps up and listens in. His father and Matsui are speaking.

Kanaye: How was she?

Matsui: Not well, sir.

Kanaye: I see…

Matsui: The doctor said there’s a surgery that could-

Kanaye: It’s time.

Matsui: Hm? Time for what, sir?

Kanaye: To pull the plug.

Daisuke’s eyes widen.

Matsui: Sir, may I speak out of turn?

Kanaye: Matsui, you have been my butler since I was a boy. I believe you have earned that right.

Matsui: You should consider the feelings of your sons. They would want you to try everything you can to keep their mother alive as long as possible.

Kanaye: Why? It’s a fruitless endeavor. She’s going to die anyway.

Matsui: I understand, but-

Kanaye: But nothing. Daichi needs to concentrate on his studies; I don’t want her to distract him any further.

Matsui: And Daisuke?

Kanaye: What about Daisuke?

Daisuke is taken aback.

Kanaye: That boy is too soft. He barely deserves to hold the name “Ohtani.” But losing his mother might finally change that. He’ll finally be on the path to becoming a man.

Matsui: Does that mean…

Kanaye: Inform the hospital I will no longer pay for her medical expenses. It’s time to cut out the cancer in this family.

Matsui: What shall I tell the boys?

Kanaye: We did everything we could.

The flashback ends. The 3-A students have gathered in their classroom under a new seating chart:

Alden climbs into the ceiling.

Alden: *sighs* Another year of this…

Saige glances at Lara as she takes her seat.

Saige: (Hm…)

Walker enters the room and stands at the podium.

Walker: Welcome everyone to the first day of your third year. You’re all aware that this year will not operate like your previous two. You’ll be heavily focused on preparing for the field via your work studies. You’ll have many excused absences, so the academic workload will be lighter. However, the topics will still be rigorous, and hero training will be an even more critical part of each day. In fact, now it will take up almost half of each school day.

Aaron: (About time.)

Demetri and Isaiah stand up and cheer.

Walker: Luckily, 17 out of 20 of you have work studies, so this won’t affect you much.

Demetri and Isaiah sink into their seats. Fang leans forward and whispers in Hayze’s ear.

Fang: There are still people in your class without Provisional Hero Licenses?

Hayze: Those two have them, but they haven’t found a hero willing to take them.

Fang: Seriously? No one wants them?

Hayze: These are the same guys who just had their nudes posted publicly over a beer pong match.

Fang: Fair point.

Walker clears his throat.

Walker: Anyone without a work-study by next week will join a special boot camp led by me. I don’t recommend it.

Demetri and Isaiah start sweating bullets.

Demetri and Isaiah: (We gotta get a work-study… FAST!)

Alden leaps down from the ceiling.

Alden: Hey! That’s not fair! I can’t even get a work-study in the next week!

Alexis: How? Surely someone needs a janitor.

Walker: He doesn’t have his Provisional License yet.

Everyone laughs.

Zach: How?! Didn’t you take remedial classes over the Summer?

Alden: Yeah, but they kicked me out! I couldn’t believe I didn’t have my license yet because of how awesome I was!

Walker pulls out a set of papers.

Walker: “A report on Alden Taillon’s time in the Provisional Licensing Remedial Class by Bradley Hunt.”

Alden turns pale.

Walker: “The student attended two classes the whole Summer. The fourth lecture, for some reason, and the midterm. During his first appearance, he arrived an hour and 45 minutes late for a 2-hour-long class. He entered, talking on his cell phone, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, designer jeans, and boots. I only mention this because he loudly proclaimed the price of his outfit, citing each item’s individual value. At this point, I asked Mr. Taillon to stop disrupting the learning environment. Which, to his credit, he did. However, three minutes later, he stood up, picked up his bag, and departed, stating he needed to leave early for a Dentist appointment. The last time we saw him was the midterm, where he turned in his exam after just 10 minutes. He scored a -5 out of a possible 100 because he didn’t write his name on the test. He skipped the final, and when I called him to ask why, he replied, and I quote: “Sorry, teach, I don’t care about the grade as long as I passed, and I don’t need the final to get an A.” Mind you, he had not turned in a single assignment the whole Summer, so I have no idea how he could have come to this conclusion.”

The whole room is silent.

Alden: Man… that Mr. Hunt… he sure is a kidder, huh?

Walker stares at Alden.

Alden: *sighs* I know, I know.

Alden opens a window and leaps out of the room.

Walker: Alright, on to some housekeeping. As some of you probably know, Mrs. Fatal is on maternity leave, so she won’t join us for a short while. And with Adrian now promoted to Vice Principal, you’ll need a new hero training teacher.

Justus: Will it be you, Mr. Walker?

Walker: Occasionally, but I think you’ll like our newest teaching fellow.

Eve: Teaching fellow?

Walker: Come on in.

Yul enters the classroom.

Everyone: Yul!

Yul: Hello, everyone!

Wes: You’re a teacher now?

Yul: Yes, and I’m looking forward to working with you and filling in for Mrs. Fatal in her absence.

Walker: Yul will be shadowing us part-time while still working for Impact. He’s an excellent resource and will conduct his first lesson during your hero training period later today.

Yul: Can’t wait to see you guys there!

Walker: Mhm, but for now, let’s start our first lecture.

Iota admires the 0,0 Key.

Iota: It’s beautiful… Good work, Zaire.

Zaire: Most of the credit goes to Jagger.

Iota: Jagger? I assigned this mission to you alone.

Zaire: I… needed help.

Iota: No matter what’s done is done, but you’re lucky Jagger didn’t gossip.

Zaire: Jagger has earned my trust.

Iota: And I trust your judgment.

Zaire: So… what comes next?

Iota: We need to find the gate.

Daisuke meticulously takes down notes while listening to Walker’s lecture.

Walker: Impact velocity is an object's total speed when it impacts the ground or another object after falling from a certain distance. When objects collide, contact forces transfer energy to change the objects' motions. When two things interact, each exerts a force on the other, and these forces can transfer energy between them. This is why getting hit by a car results in near-instant death.

Daisuke’s eyes narrow.

Walker: The human body can’t survive that impact velocity in most cases.

A flashback begins. A 14-year-old Daisuke is waiting outside a prestigious private high school in Japan. He checks his watch impatiently.

Daisuke: (Okay, I just have to ensure he doesn’t cross the road in the next five minutes.)

Daichi: Daisuke?

Daisuke looks to his side and sees his brother Daichi.

Daisuke: Hello, brother.

Daichi: What are you doing here?

Daisuke: What, I’m not allowed to visit my brother?

Daichi: Daisuke, you’ve come to Kyoto unannounced when I haven’t seen you in a year. I’m allowed to be confused.

Daisuke: Sorry, I uh… had a vision.

Daichi: Oh, what was it?

Daisuke: It was…

Daichi: I hope it’s about my girlfriends.

Daisuke: Wait… plural?

Daichi: Hell yeah! I’m the heir to the Ohtani fortune; chicks are all over me.

Daisuke: So, you’re-

Daichi: Look, Daisuke, can we wrap this up. I’m swamped and need to be on my way.

Daisuke: Wait… do you even care that I’m here?

Daichi shrugs.

Daisuke: You don’t want to know how I’m doing or what’s going on back home?

Daichi: *sighs* Look, little brother, you and I both know our relationship isn’t the best. I’ll admit that it’s partially my fault.

Daisuke: (Partially?)

Daichi: But, to be honest, I don’t like you, Daisuke.

Daisuke: Wh- what?

Daichi: Oh, come on, I’ve told you this since we were kids. Don’t pretend this is new news.

Daisuke: *grunts*

Daichi: I guess I should tell you this before you start High School, but when I inherit the company, you will work for everything. There will be no handouts.

Daisuke: I didn’t expect any. I was always willing to work for my share of the-

Daichi: Your share of the what, Daisuke? Our family’s fortune? You have no stake in it.

Daisuke: But, I-

Daichi: You were the second-born son, so you enjoyed your childhood while I suffered throughout mine. So, in adulthood, the tables will turn.

Daisuke: It’s not my fault I was born second!

Daichi: But you still enjoyed the benefits.

Daisuke grinds his teeth.

Daichi: Look at you, throwing a temper tantrum over having to work for a living. Pfft, Father was right about you.

Daisuke: Wh- what did you just say?

Daichi: Father thinks you’re soft, and you inherited too many of our mother’s weak genes. I agree.

Daisuke: Why would you say that about Mother?! She loved you!

Daichi: And I loved her, but she was holding me back.

Daisuke: Holding you back? Do you know what Father did to her? He-

Daichi: He pulled the plug even though he could have paid for surgery to keep her alive longer.

Daisuke: Y- you knew?

Daichi: Of course, and I agree with his decision.

Daisuke’s eyes widen.

Daisuke: You… what?

Daichi: Mother was going to die no matter what. Why should he continue to sink money and resources into her? It was a waste. He made the correct call, and I’m glad he allowed me to move on from her quickly and focus on my studies.

Daisuke's eyes narrow.

Daisuke: You’re right, brother… if someone is going to die no matter what… Why try to save them?

Daichi: *nasal grunt* I’m glad you see it my way. Now, I must go and study for my upcoming midterm. Goodbye, Daisuke.

Daichi starts crossing the street.

Daisuke: Goodbye… brother…

A bus slams into Daichi at high speed, instantly killing him. Spectators scream, and people run into the street to try and help him as Daisuke stares at his brother’s mangled corpse.

Daisuke: I hate you.

The flashback ends. 3-A is gathered at a training facility with Yul.

Silver: (Let’s see what Yul has in store for us.)

Yul: Welcome to your first hero training session of the new year. These exercises aren’t going to be super complex. You’re almost all working in the field and gaining experience working as professional heroes. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be battling against villains on your own. Thus, we will ensure your combat skills are on point. Losing will not be an option anymore.

Aaron: So we’re just gonna fight each other?

Zach: That sounds fun!

Yul: Not precisely. I’ve designated a few pairs I’d like to see work together: A: Justus and Silver, B: Blair and Saige, C: Demetri and Isaiah, and D: Alden and Zach.

Blair: Ugh…

Saige: Hooray!

Zach: Me! With Alden?

Alden: Yeah! He’ll just drag me down!

Yul: Alden, corner.

Alden: *groans*

Alden kneels in the corner, sobbing.

Yul: Each pair will face off against a trio of the other class members. We’ll draw to see who will go up against whom.

Yul holds out a box with a hole in the top. Then, the remaining 12 students pull pins with letters one at a time.

Yul: Okay, here are our groups:

Demetri and Isaiah: (Third time’s the charm!)

Saige: (Good, maybe I can have a “talk” with our little hacker during the match.)

Lara’s eyes narrow.

Wes: (Thank god, I’m with Hayze…)

Hayze: (Sweet, I can work with Fang.)

Blair: Uh, Yul, not to question your judgment, but isn’t a two-on-three matchup kind of clunky?

Eve: Especially considering some of the teams are a little… unbalanced.

Demetri and Isaiah: Hey!

Eve: You knew I was talking about you two, so you can’t complain.

Demetri and Isaiah shut up.

Yul: Oh, don’t worry, Blair, these aren’t two-on-three matches. They’re one-on-three.

Blair: But- oh…

Demetri and Isaiah: (Fusion! Yes! Isetri can finally settle our score with Daisuke!)

Yul: I’ll fuse each duo together at the start of the match, and we’ll follow the same rules as the Showcase Match. However, each battle will have a natural time limit of 30 minutes, so don’t dilly-dally. We’ll draw to see who goes first.

Yul places four pins inside the box and pulls one.

Yul: Group C, ready for combat?

Demetri and Isaiah: Yessir!

The remaining 15 students head to the spectator seats. Isaiah and Demetri face off against Lilith, Eve, and Daisuke. They’re standing in the center of a holographic city generated by Real-Vision technology.

Yul: I’ll act as the ref; the match will start once the fusion has finished.

Everyone nods. Eve turns to Daisuke and Lilith.

Eve: Alright, Isetri may be powerful, but his quirk sucks against multiple opponents. If we work together and attack simultaneously, we should be fine.

Lilith: Right, Eve!

Eve: Are you with us, Daisuke?

Daisuke: Yes, I’m not experienced with this fused warrior, so I’ll follow your lead.

Eve: Wow.

Daisuke: Hm? Something wrong?

Eve: Oh, nothing, that just felt really cathartic to hear.

Daisuke: (Cathartic, huh?)

Kanaye stares out his dining room window as a torrential downpour ensues outside. Thunder roars, and lightning strikes. Daisuke is sitting at the end of the dining room table with Matsui at his side.

Kanaye: Daisuke…

Daisuke: Yes, father?

Kanaye: I’m sure you know why I asked to see you. Although the funeral was yesterday, I must begin preparing you.

Daisuke: For what exactly, father?

Kanaye bites his tongue.

Kanaye: With Daichi’s death, you are the sole heir to the Ohtani fortune.

Daisuke smiles slightly.

Kanaye: However…

Daisuke: Hm?

Kanaye: I cannot hand you the keys to our family’s company. I refuse.

Daisuke and his father stare at each other.

Kanaye: Until you prove yourself worthy.

Kanaye approaches Daisuke and sits on the chair next to him.

Kanaye: Although your training was not as rigorous as Daichi’s, you have enough knowledge to be considered a below-average businessman. I need you to show me that you can be a great one.

Daisuke: Whatever classes or studies you need me to undergo, I will-

Kanaye: No, I need to know within the next year that you can be the head of Ohtani Industries someday.

Daisuke: (A year?)

Kanaye pulls out his checkbook and starts writing a check.

Kanaye: I still have enough time to raise another child and train him before I grow too old, but I can’t waste the next four years on you, or that option will disappear. So, you’ll need to pass this test.

Kanaye rips the check and hands it to Daisuke. It’s for 150,000,000 yen; Daisuke’s eyes widen.

Daisuke: Father… What is this?

Kanaye: In one year, we will return to this table, and you will write me a check for 1 billion yen.

Daisuke: Wh- what?

Kanaye: This is your test, Daisuke. Prove to me you have what it takes to be a business tycoon or be stripped of the name Ohtani and forcefully evicted from my life.

Kanaye offers Daisuke his hand.

Kanaye: Do we have a deal?

Daisuke stares at his father.

Daisuke: Of course.

That night, Daisuke is meticulously researching on his computer when Matsui enters the room.

Matsui: Sir, it is 4 in the morning. You need to sleep.

Daisuke: Not until I’ve found it.

Matsui: Found what?

Daisuke: The solution to my problem.

Matsui places his hand on Daisuke’s shoulder.

Matsui: You’re not going to find it in one night. Investing is a long-term mission, and-

Daisuke: I’m not investing, Matsui.

Matsui: Hm?

Daisuke: My father wants 1 billion yen? Well, I know where to get everything and then some in just one simple move.

Matsui: Hm? How is that possible?

Daisuke gets up from his chair and stares out his bedroom window.

Daisuke: Matsui, If you had to choose between my father and me. Who would you choose?

Matsui’s eyes widen.

Daisuke: I need to know that answer before I can continue my plan.

Matsui hesitates.

Matsui: What are you planning, sir?

Daisuke: The Ohtani name carries honor… but it has no heart. I think it’s time someone fixed that. Will you help me do that?

Matsui stares at Daisuke.

Matsui: Yes, sir.

Daisuke: Good.

Daisuke meets with Japanese Businessman Akihiko Iwakuma a few weeks later in his office.

Iwakuma: Why have you, Ohtani Daisuke, the son of my greatest rival, Ohtani Kanaye, come to my office?

Daisuke: I want to make a deal with you.

Iwakuma: A deal? With a 14-year-old boy?

Iwakuma laughs.

Daisuke: How much would you like to destroy my father?

Iwakuma stops laughing.

Iwakuma: More than you could ever know. Iwakuma Corporation and Ohtani Industries have been rival defense companies for generations. I would bring great honor to my family by finally taking down your father.

Daisuke: Good, because I can help you do that using my father’s own money against him.

Iwakuma: Go on.

Daisuke: My father’s ownership of our family company has a weak spot. He owns a majority of the shares via a plurality. He possesses 49% of the company’s shares; you'll take control if you amass the other 51%.

Iwakuma scoffs.

Iwakuma: Do you think I’m not aware of this? This is all public information. Your father has done this intentionally to lure potential hostile investors in. We attempt to buy the other 51%, only to find out his most trusted companion possesses 3% of the company’s shares. Nullifying our attempts and wasting millions of yen.

Daisuke: Yes, but what if I told you my father’s most trusted companion was willing to betray him.

Iwakuma: Then, I would be very interested.

Daisuke: My plan is simple. You own 56% of your company’s shares, and I will buy 7% of them from you.

Iwakuma: Why would I allow that?

Daisuke: Because it will open the door for us to steal my father’s company and his fortune. Once he sees you no longer possess an absolute majority over Iwakuma Corporation, he will begin attempting to buy the remaining 51%. He’ll believe this is possible because I will lie to him and say I’ll give him my shares. However, we’ll pull the rug out from beneath him just when he thinks he’s won.

Iwakuma smiles.

Iwakuma: I like the way you think, boy. But there’s one issue: how can I trust you?

Daisuke: My father chose money over my mother’s life. He took away what was most precious to me… and I will do ANYTHING to do the same to him.

Iwakuma stares Daisuke in the eye.

Iwakuma: We have a deal.

The flashback ends. Yul approaches Demetri and Isaiah.

Demetri: You guys are going down!

Isaiah: Yeah!

Yul fuses Demetri and Isaiah.

Isetri: Alright! Let’s do this!

Yul leaps out of the way.

Yul: Begin!

Isetri: I know my first target!

Isetri glances at Daisuke, but he’s gone.

Isetri: Huh?

Lilith is flying in the air, carrying Daisuke.

Daisuke: Thank you for your assistance. However, I think I’ll return to the ground now.

Lilith drops Daisuke, and he lands feet-first on Isetri’s head.

Isetri: AHHHH!

Isetri crashes down, and Daisuke taps his forehead.

Daisuke: (Precognition, active.)

Hayze: (How will this work? Both of their quirks activate through eye contact.)

Isetri gets to his feet and locks eyes with Daisuke.

Isetri: I’ve got you now!

Daisuke: Lilith, attack now.

Isetri attempts to make Daisuke punch himself in the balls. However, he’s hit by a batch of razor wind generated from Lilith’s wings.

Isetri: AH! What the fuc-

Eve punches Isetri in the chest, sending him flying through a building.

Isetri: OWWW! HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE A STRENGTH QUIRK?!

Eve: Shut it, bitch.

Isetri gets to his feet slowly, climbing out of the rubble.

Isetri: *frustrated grunt* I will not be humiliated by you again, Daisuke!

Daisuke: I’m sorry to hear that.

Isetri: What do you have against me?! We just met!

Daisuke: Nothing, I’m entirely indifferent towards both of you.

Isetri: Yeah, right! That’s why you fucked me over at the fountain and made Isaiah damage the training facility! Then you stole Demetri’s room and made us strip naked in front of our peers!

Daisuke: You inflicted that upon yourselves.

Isetri: What?!

Daisuke: One, you chose to humiliate yourselves at the fountain. Two, the alternative was a plane crashing and killing many people. Three, you were the ones who challenged me. Four, you could have refused that stipulation to the game. You two need to accept that you’re responsible for your choices. If you make a choice and it backfires, you have nobody to blame but yourselves.

A flashback begins. Daisuke is sitting in a conference room with his father and Matsui.

Kanaye: Daisuke, I must admit… you’ve outdone yourself here.

Daisuke: Hm?

Kanaye: Tricking Iwakuma Akihiko into relinquishing control of his company to me? You found a loophole in our deal, and I’m proud of you for it. I guess I underestimated you, and I’m sorry for that.

Daisuke stares at his father.

Daisuke: Thank you, father.

Iwakuma enters the room.

Iwakuma: Kanaye.

Kanaye: Akihiko.

Iwakuma sits down at the opposite end of the conference room table.

Iwakuma: I suppose we should cut straight to the chase. We have both been buying massive shares of each other’s companies.

Kanaye: Yes, and it’s time for one of us to gain control of both.

Iwakuma: Indeed.

Kanaye smiles.

Kanaye: You were a fool to ever trust my son. He is my flesh and blood. My fall would be his as well. We now possess 51% of Iwakuma Corporation between his shares and mine. Your company belongs to me now, Akihiko.

Daisuke: No, Father, it does not.

Kanaye: Huh? What?!

Daisuke: I’m afraid you’re the fool here. I’m siding with Mr. Iwakuma.

Kanaye stands up and slams his fist on the table.

Kanaye: What?! Why Daisuke?! There is no point in this! Why would you buy his shares, then? THIS WAS YOUR IDEA!

Daisuke: Because it’s about time Ohtani Industries came under new management.

Kanaye: Wh- what?

Matsui steps forward.

Matsui: Master Kanaye, I’m afraid I will be transferring my 3% shares in your company to Mr. Iwakuma, granting him ownership of Ohtani Industries.

Kanaye stares at Matsui in shock.

Kanaye: Matsui… how… How could you?

Matsui: I’m sorry, sir, but this is my decision.

Kanaye staggers backward. He looks catatonic.

Kanaye: I… no… Daisuke… Why would you betray your father like this? How could you turn your back on your family?

Daisuke: You betrayed me a long time ago… when you made my mother’s life about money.

Daisuke stares down his father.

Kanaye: You destroyed your own family… OVER A DEAD WOMAN?!

Kanaye slams his fist against the table.

Kanaye: She was on her deathbed! Why would you have wanted her to suffer further?!

Daisuke: You didn’t hear me. It wasn’t that she died… It’s what you did.

Kanaye: Huh?

“ Kanaye: That boy is too soft. He barely deserves to hold the name “Ohtani.” But losing his mother might finally change that. He’ll finally be on the path to becoming a man. “

Daisuke: Looks like losing my mother did make me a man. One strong enough to stand up to a worthless piece of garbage like you. Why should I care about the “Ohtani name” when you believe I don’t deserve it? Instead, I’ve decided a changing of the guard is in order. My branch of our family will be in charge, and I’ll change the way of the Ohtani name.

Kanaye: How dare you…

Daisuke: Chin up, father; you’re too soft, but perhaps losing your company will finally change that.

Kanaye stares at Daisuke, speechless.

Kanaye: I’ve allowed our prized possession to fall into a pathetic, honorless man’s hands…

Kanaye jumps through the glass window behind him and plummets to his death. Matsui gringes, Daisuke looks indifferent, and Iwakuma laughs.

Iwakuma: He actually committed suicide! I wasn’t expecting that, but I can’t blame him. He just failed generations of his family. He will burn in hell.

Daisuke sits down in his father’s chair.

Daisuke: Just like you.

Iwakuma: Hm?

Daisuke: With my father’s passing, his shares in Ohtani Industries now transfer to his successor.

Iwakuma: You mean his butler? Fine, he can have your father’s company. I’ve already defeated him; I have no use for it.

Daisuke: Yes, but you forgot one other detail… My father had shares in your company as well.

Iwakuma’s eyes widen.

Iwakuma: No…

Matsui: I now possess 52% of Ohtani Industries and 44% of Iwakuma Corporation. However, I am giving all of those shares to Daisuke.

Iwakuma: WHY?! You’re throwing millions, potentially billions of yen away! You’re throwing your life away for a child! TELL ME WHY?!

“ Fumiko: We must do everything we can to keep Daisuke pure, and maybe… he’ll break this vicious cycle. “

Matsui: To bring a smile to someone watching from the heavens.

Iwakuma goes catatonic.

Daisuke: Combining my 7% shares of your company with Matsui’s 44%, I now possess an absolute majority over Iwakuma Corporation. Both of your companies now belong to me.

Iwakuma falls to his knees in defeat. The flashback ends.

Daisuke: Everyone has a choice. Don’t blame others because you made the wrong one.

Isetri: Oh, yeah? I’m making the right choice this time by trying to get revenge!

Daisuke: We’ll see about that.

Daisuke pulls out his phone.

Daisuke: Matsui, send me the Gatling Gauntlet.

Isetri: Huh?

A few seconds pass.

Isetri: So… uh… what was th-

Lilith: Hey! Look!

A gauntlet is rocketing through the sky toward the facility. It flies to Daisuke and attaches to his arm.

Isetri: Wh- where did that come from?!

Daisuke: I prefer to call upon my gear when I need it rather than carry it around everywhere.

Daisuke aims the gauntlet at Isetri; it morphs into a Gatling turret.

Daisuke: It’s time for you to lose again.

Isetri: No way!

Isetri uses his quirk to paralyze Daisuke.

Daisuke: That’s not going to help.

Isetri: Wh- why not?

Daisuke: It’s voice-activated.

Isetri: Oh… cra-

Daisuke: Fire.

Daisuke’s Gatling Gauntlet unloads a barrage of explosive bullets at Isetri.

Isetri: AHHHHH!

Isetri slams to the ground, unconscious.

Eve: Damn…

Lilith: I- I guess we win?

Yul: Group C wins!

Silver’s eyes narrow.

Silver: (Gear like that wasn’t created by some support students. How rich is this guy?)

A flashback begins. A year after taking over O.I., Daisuke is at his father’s grave with Matsui watching 15 yards away.

Daisuke: I’m not here to pay my respects. I simply wanted to complete my end of our deal.

Daisuke writes a check for 1 billion yen to his father and buries it.

Daisuke: Don’t go spending it all in one place.

Daisuke approaches Matsui.

Matsui: Ready to go, sir?

Daisuke: Yes… and do me a favor, Matsui.

Matsui: Hm? What is it?

Daisuke: Start researching the best hero schools in Japan.

Matsui: You want to become a professional hero?

Daisuke: It’s about time someone used this money for something good.

Matsui: As you wish, sir.

As Matsui and Daisuke walk to the graveyard's exit, Daisuke notices a group of lilac flowers and smiles.

Daisuke: (I hope I’ve made you proud.)

Vulcan scoffs.

Vulcan: So, what does this Daisuke kid have to do with this incident?

Gundam: His future sight ability allowed him to foresee yesterday's events and make… “preparations.”

Big Tank: What kind of preparations?

Gundam: He placed a cloaked tracking device on the MKIII before it was taken by Iota’s men.

The projector at the center of the table displays a satellite image of Iota’s hideout. All of the heroes stare at it in shock.

Gundam: We’ve found him.