章 168: Chapter 167: Establishing the Will of Hero(es)
The rest was simple. Under Hideo's disapproving glare and Kaminari's indifferent gaze, Ryoichi drove his blade into the giant bear's throat, ending its life.
The bear, its reserves of "blood energy" completely depleted, didn't bleed much as it collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
"It's over. Let's go."
Edgeshot retracted the paper-limbs he had used to restrain the bear and turned to Hideo Sato, his voice calm.
"Can you walk? If not, I can carry you."
But Hideo, stubborn as ever, ignored the offer and instead glared daggers at Kaminari, his expression full of unspoken fury.
Kaminari didn't bother holding back his irritation. "Seriously? This is how you treat the guy who saved your life?"
He crossed his arms, sneering. "I'm starting to think you don't know the meaning of gratitude. You know what? On top of being your savior, I'm also your creditor!"
Hideo remained silent, but Kaminari pressed on, his tone sharpening. "That hemostatic agent I gave you? It cost 300,000 yen. Without it, you'd have bled out in the forest. But instead of showing thanks, you're standing here giving me attitude? You've got some nerve."
"Kaminari, that's enough," Edgeshot said as he knelt down, helping Hideo to his feet. His tone was firm, but not unkind. He glanced at Ryoichi, who looked both guilty and exhilarated, and added, "Let's just get them to the police station and put this behind us."
"Fine," Kaminari muttered, exhaling to calm himself. His annoyance eased slightly as his mind cleared. Closing his eyes, he slipped into his meditative state once more.
Moments later, the iron sand scattered across the ground began to stir, drawn together by Kaminari's control. The particles coalesced into a sleek, floating iron boat large enough to hold five people. Three chairs rose from the boat's surface, a subtle detail that hinted at Kaminari's meticulousness.
"Wow… That's incredible," Ryoichi said, watching with wide eyes. Even though he had seen Kaminari's abilities in action before, he still couldn't help but marvel at them.
"Get on," Edgeshot said, gesturing toward the boat. He glanced at Hideo, who had turned his back on Kaminari in silent protest, refusing to move.
This time, Edgeshot didn't indulge the older man's stubbornness. Without a word, he hoisted Hideo onto the iron ship with ease.
As the others boarded, Kaminari remained motionless in his meditative state.
A moment later, under the watchful eyes of everyone present, a ball of iron sand gathered at Kaminari's feet. The particles formed into a thin platform that gently lifted him onto the ship.
"Where does he come up with this stuff?" Edgeshot thought, a trace of admiration flickering in his eyes. "He may have strong opinions, but there's no denying his talent."
The moment Kaminari stepped onto the ship, the iron platform beneath him disintegrated and merged seamlessly with the rest of the vessel.
Under Kaminari's guidance, the iron ship began to ascend. It rose above the treetops, granting its passengers a breathtaking view of the vast, unbroken sea of trees below.
"Beautiful…" Ryoichi murmured, awestruck by the sight.
The ship picked up speed, moving smoothly through the air at the pace of a car. Compared to the dense and treacherous forest below, the open sky was a far more efficient path. Before long, they reached their destination: the local police station.
"We're here."
As the iron ship touched down, Kaminari opened his eyes. The ship dissolved into loose sand beneath their feet, spreading harmlessly across the ground.
"Ryoichi," Kaminari said as he walked toward the station with Edgeshot, "turn on your phone. I've sent you the video and photos."
Ryoichi's face lit up with excitement, while his grandfather's expression darkened with anger. Still, neither protested as Kaminari's AI, Pikachu, transferred the files to Ryoichi's phone.
"Congratulations," Kaminari said with a small smile. "From this moment forward, you're the 'youngest and most powerful ghost hunter.'"
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Ryoichi stammered, his voice trembling with gratitude. His face broke into a wide grin. "Soon… Soon, everyone will know about the Matagi again!"
But Hideo clenched his fists, his voice trembling with rage. "Ryoichi! This is a mistake! You're violating our sacred traditions!"
Ryoichi turned to face his grandfather, his expression firm. "Grandpa, I respect the traditions, but I want the Matagi to survive. If that means letting go of outdated rules, so be it."
Their argument continued as Kaminari and Edgeshot walked into the station, leaving the two to their unresolved dispute.
As they left, Edgeshot glanced at Kaminari, his tone hesitant. "Kaminari… do you hate rules?"
"Mm?" Kaminari glanced at him, caught off guard by the question. After a moment's thought, he replied, "It's not that I hate rules. I just don't like when they're too complicated."
He shrugged, his tone casual but firm. "Rules should make things clear and simple, but when they're overcomplicated, they turn simple situations into massive headaches."
"But Kaminari," Edgeshot countered, his voice calm and steady, "as heroes, we can't look at rules through the lens of personal likes or dislikes. Rules aren't just guidelines, they're the foundation of hero society."
He paused before adding, "Without rules, heroes are no different from villains. These rules are what define what it means to be a hero."
Kaminari's golden brows furrowed slightly at Edgeshot's words but quickly smoothed as he regained his composure.
"Don't you think…" Kaminari began hesitantly, "the true meaning of being a hero lies in sacrifice?"
Edgeshot froze mid-step, his thoughts racing. His mind immediately flashed to the video of Stain, the Hero Killer, and the ideology it had presented.
"Have you… seen the Stain video?" Edgeshot asked cautiously, his sharp eyes narrowing as he turned to Kaminari.
"Stain? Isn't he that villain who targets heroes?" Kaminari asked, confused. "What video? Did he put something online? What is he, some kind of wannabe influencer like the Gentle Criminal?"
Realizing Kaminari wasn't lying, Edgeshot relaxed slightly, though his expression remained serious. "Then… those words about sacrifice. Were they your own thoughts?"
Kaminari scratched the back of his head, chuckling awkwardly. "What's with the serious look? I was just talking out loud, you know, trying to figure out the concept of heroism. It's not like I've got it all figured out or anything."
Edgeshot shook his head, his tone firm. "No, I want to hear it. Tell me what you've been thinking."
He gestured for Kaminari to follow him. "Let's walk and talk."
Unbeknownst to Kaminari, Edgeshot was taking this moment very seriously.
"This is it," Edgeshot thought. "The stage where Kaminari begins to establish his own heroic ideals. It's earlier than most, but for a genius like him, it's not surprising."
He glanced at Kaminari, determination flickering in his eyes.
"As his master, it's my responsibility to guide him through this crucial stage."
***
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