That’s no laughing matter

Neito continued falling down. If he were to hit the ground at this speed, he would definitely die.

He never liked high places. He was about to feint when he fell from the building, but he managed to stay awake. Maybe Anice’s date on a roller-coaster helped him pulled through.

I can’t go down like this… I still have plans to take over Crimson, stand on top of Metallica, change the world and find the answer for Manaka-san’s question in his last moments.

Move! Move! C’mon body, Move!

[Open it!]

His body still hasn’t recovered from the shock, but he forced himself to open his wings.

But,

[…It’s no use…]

Neito couldn’t fully expand his wings. Even if he did, his wings were battered from the machine gun fire. He still couldn’t glide properly because of the amount of holes in his wings. In other words, it was only dead weight.

Did he antic.i.p.ate my moves and weaknesses this far? He’s one h.e.l.l of a guy.

He tried to reach for the building walls, but he couldn’t reach for it. Is this part of his calculations too? All for me to go to h.e.l.l…

He recognized Slipknot’s capability.

I’m not done yet… don’t you underestimate me Slipknot. If there is a thing called h.e.l.l, I’ll end up there, but not today.

I’ve always gambled my life when fighting, that’s how it’s always been. A situation like this…

[Haaaaa!]

If his wings served no purpose, he didn’t need them. He deliberately grabbed his wings and tore them off.

[Almost there…!]

Neito ripped out his bloodstained wings and stretched it out towards the walls of the building. Though bloodstained and battered, it was [Evil Silhouette’s] wings, it wouldn’t easily break when rubbed against concrete.

With the sounds of joints breaking, the wings reached the building walls. A sharp feeling of pain came upon Neito’s shoulder.

The wings collided with the concrete, slowing, and stopping his fall.

[Haa… Haa… That was a close call…]

He fell half of the building’s height. It took him approximately twenty five floors to break his fall.

Neito sacrificed much to stop his fall. He lost too much blood after ripping his wing off. His right arm was dislocated and fractured. With his last bit of strength, he grabbed on to his wings with his left arm.

It drained him just holding himself up with his left hand. His transformation wouldn’t last long, but he managed to survive.

[……!]

But he wasn’t out of the woods yet. On the top of the building, Slipknot was looking at him from a broken window. He closely observed him since he started his fall. Slipknot was determined to see him splatter like a red tomato.

Once he saw Neito hold on, he immediately withdrew from the window.

Slipknot was coming. He was coming to finish him off.

Even at this moment Slipknot must be humming while coming down the stairs or singing along with the elevator music.

[Well this is getting handy…]

Neito’s transformation came off. He was now with his normal body. His right arm was still broken and blood gushed out from his back. All in all, he only had his left arm to do with.

For the first time, Neito was afraid of the “justice” coming at him.

(TLN: Niina’s POV)

[You’re kidding me… right? That Senpai got…]

Few minutes after Neito transformed and went after Slipknot, Niina issued orders to use Cr

imson’s “Flying Board”. It was a small tool that allowed its rider to fly. Niina used this and went after Neito.

It was the first time Niina rode it, but he imagined that it would be like riding a snow board or surf board. Both of which, Niina was very familiar with.

It didn’t have too much speed, and it can only fly for a maximum of ten minutes. Moving forward, Niina could see Neito through the LED monitor with had a magnification function.

Once Neito started fighting with Slipknot, Niina landed in a nearby building and continued to observe him through the LED monitor.

Slipknot was a mysterious enemy, but I’m sure he will handle it well… or at least, that was what Niina thought.

A tricky battle commenced, and Neito was thrown off the building. It was truly a desperate situation.

[Are you serious…? That easily…]

His legs started shaking. Niina was an employee of Metallica. He experienced many battles before, but he never stood on the front-lines himself. And again, Niina had never been tasked with the big decisions. That was because it was Neito or Tsurugi making the calls. He thought he could live by his speed and footwork in the battlefield alone.

That was why it was his first time experiencing this kind of situation.

What should I do?

Go and help Neito? You’ve got to be kidding me. What can I do in that situation? There’s no way I can match up with a Guardian coming from the Rocks Organization. Slipknot is busy with Neito now. If I run, no doubt I could easily get away.

On the other hand, if Neito is defeated by Slipknot, the blame wouldn’t heavily fall on me. Slipknot is a known vigilante that had put an end to many villains. It may not be much, but I’ll manage to live by. But if I try and rescue Neito, there’s a huge possibility that I would die.

[…That’s right…]

Niina turned his back on Neito who was desperate.

[There’s no choice…]

I should just run now.

[Senpai… Se-senp…]

He threw away his pride to preserve his live… But at that moment, Niina’s feet stopped moving. He realized what he was saying was very relevant.

Senpai? That’s right, he’s my [Senpai].

I’ve called a lot of people “senpai” during college and during clubs, but that’s just formalities. Just meaningless formalities.

Niina was a naïve boy. In his studies and in sports, he manage to get the best results without spending too much effort. In other words, he didn’t even bother making an effort. That was because he believed he didn’t need it.

Why is everybody trying so hard? Niina just randomly does things well. He didn’t possess any special ability, but nonetheless, he wasn’t lacking any skill. He just barely manages and arrives where he wants to arrive. He never once was pa.s.sionate in doing something.

He was able to get along with anybody, talking nonsense and getting close.

For Niina, the term “senpai” was just a word used to get close to a person.

That also applied to Neito. Niina heard that he was a real villain, and so he thought he should call him “senpai”.

He didn’t notice when he started calling Neito “senpai” when he wasn’t around.

He thought “who is this guy?” when he was first a.s.signed to him in Okinawa. To him, Neito looked weak and cowardly at that time, and didn’t fit the t.i.tle of “villain”. Despite that, he made the most bizarre decision and rose to the top.

He had the will to do it when it came to do it, but most of the time, Neito had a weak heart. That was also the same when it came to women. Sometimes, Neito would be too shy towards people.

When Niina did some “regular” work, Neito complimented him on his performance. Neito looked embarra.s.sed in saying it, so Niina decided to put a more effort into it.

Neito managed to achieve incredible feats. That was the result of him risking his life. He must be doing it with all his best. No matter what method, no matter who it is, Niina saw Neito get over it and move forward.

He was no longer doubting that it was due to pure luck that Neito was able to accomplish those achievements. At one moment, Niina thought of copying Tsurugi’s “Understood” as a form of acknowledgement, but he desisted. Getting pa.s.sionate over something didn’t suit him after-all.

Maybe that’s what made him acknowledge Neito as his “Senpai”.

He may be different than me, but he is impressive in his own way. Thinking about it, Niina never considered somebody to be “impressive” since he was able to do everything effortlessly.

That person is different. To be frank, Neito is just a normal human. He didn’t have the body nor the wit. He may have trained his body since he entered Metallica, but it didn’t amount to much. In terms of capability, Neito couldn’t be compared to Niina. But wow…

I’ve never seen a person like that. To me he’s the one true “senpai” for me.

[……]

Niina stepped on the Flying Board. He could run right now,

[…But…]

Run? Am I going to run? There’s no other choice. There’s no way a normal human being can match up to a member of the Rocks Organization. More precisely because it’s “him”.

[No… There is somebody…]

Even without powers, that man never backed down in fighting. It was just his determination as a villain that made him keep going forward.

[I-I…. I!]

I admired that person. That’s why I wanted to see how far he could go. It may not be much, but I’ll follow him. And I may have noticed this now, but I know that’s what I wanted all along.

Me? Run away? That’s no laughing matter.

I’m afraid. I don’t want to go, but don’t want to run away either.

Niina only now noticed that he had a frail heart and spirit. In order for me to proceed down the path of villainy…

I, I will…

[I’m the [kouhai] of the man who’s going to change the world…!]

It may be too late, but it I’m going to get serious!

Niina got embarra.s.sed over getting pa.s.sionate. But it was not that all bad. He laughed at himself.

He started up his Flying Board. Neito was struggling below him. No doubt Slipknot was already coming down to finish off Neito.

I won’t let him do it. But what should I do? Think. Think! It’s impossible for me to defeat Slipknot. Then what?  Senpai not dead yet. That person never gives up. I’m sure he’s thinking of a way to survive right now! But what? How can I help him?

Niina revved up, and rapidly accelerated forward. His never thought this hard before. After ten seconds, he made his decision.

Using his radio, he gave orders to the remaining Crimson members. Of course, he didn’t order them to come and help him. There was no way they could traverse the distance in a short span of time. That’s why he ordered them differently.

His subordinates were worried.

[Shut up and do it! Get it done in less than three minutes! Understood?!]

Niina cut the line. He uploaded the data shown on the monitor onto his tablet. On the other hand, he accelerated his Flying Board.

His head was boiling with excitement. There wasn’t a time when he was this serious.

(TLN: Back to Neito’s POV)

[I’ve lost touch with my shoulder…]

Neito was at his limit. He couldn’t last for a few minutes.

Before his body would give up, there was a far more scary being coming after him.

In his fall, he broke the gla.s.s windows up and down the floors he was in. From there, Slipknot took a peak at him.

[Hey you, you’re really a tough one huh? From this day on, I give you the [Fell from the top floor but got killed by a bullet through the head] award!]

Slipknot pulled out a handgun from his belt. Neito didn’t have a hand to defend himself.

But he didn’t give up. He didn’t want to die.

[Senpai!]

He heard a familiar voice. He looked up and saw Niina riding on a Flying Board. Neito had trouble riding it, but it was no problem for Niina.

Niina didn’t shoot at Slipknot. He thought Slipknot would be able to easily avoid it. Slipknot, who had been fighting people with villains who had special powers, probably regarded Niina as a mere fly. Yet, Slipknot was determined to kill Niina for interrupting him.

[… You…?]

[Hm? Who are ya? You part of Crimson? Then I’ll kill ya too.]

Slipknot whistled and pointed his gun at Niina.

Neito thought Niina would never come here to die without a plan… If he has a plan then I need to get into it…

I don’t have much time left

[I’ve been recording senpai’s fight using this gla.s.s monitor… that include the floor plan of this building!]

Niina’s hints were vague. It was the first time Niina himself went to the front-lines. Slipknot raised his gun and shot at Niina. Niina dodged the bullet. Niina may have high reaction time, but one mistake could’ve end his life. On that moment, Neito knew Niina was willing to risk his life for him.

That few seconds of contact. It was only or a few seconds, but he understood.

It was a plan Neito would think of, given the circ.u.mstances. That’s right… I’ve always fought like a real villain. No matter how underhanded it is. I’ll do it.

[That’s impressive Niina! You understand me well!]

[Well, I’m a genius after all… And I know you are vile when it comes to it senpai!]

With that, Niina ascended upwards.

[… ? What are you guys doing? Is there something fun planned out? It’s unfortunate, but you won’t be able to attend the party you’re planning.]

Slipknot once again pointed his gun at Neito.

I’m saved… I now have a chance of surviving.

I won’t win, but neither will I lose. In the worst case scenario, we’ll be both taken out. Even if don’t kill Slipknot, I still could erase his existence from this world. If I manage to survive here, I’ll have another day to fight him again. I’ll just have to find a more [evil] method to deal with him.

Niina should be done with the preparations by now. I’ll just have to rely on him now. When push comes to shove, I’ll be the one to pull the trigger.

[Hey Slipknot]

Neito managed to pull himself up with his weak left arm. If I were to pa.s.s out from my injuries, I would surely die. Slipknot was looking down on him and pointing his gun. Neito didn’t stop. He stared onto the [Dark Hero].

[What? Don’t stare at me like that… “If I die I’ll haunt you”? You’re going to become a “j.a.panese Ghost”? Woaaah soo~ scary ~….]

Neito interrupted.

[You are certainly strong. You don’t fight like a hero, but you are not [Evil].]

Slipknot still didn’t pull the trigger. He was pondering over what Neito said.

I thought we think the same… but I was mistaken. No matter what the sacrifice is, I’ll keep moving forward. Will you still be able to stand in front of my [Evil]?

[… Did you think of something to get out of this mess? How unfortunate… you don’t have much time left.]

[Well, I’d advise you to hear me out for the sake of both of us.]

[……]

Slipknot still hasn’t fire. Slipknot’s intuition from fighting countless villains must’ve kicked in. He knew something was about to happen.

Then I’ll tell you my plan… go and tremble on hearing it.

I’ll teach what real villainy is and how scary it is. I never coward out on something… but will you?

Your real enemy isn’t me.

But my enemies are the ones who stand in my way.

Will you still be able to stand in my way, Slipknot?

Neito released his grip and fell through the skies once more.

Under the dark and starry skies. The eye of the beast once again glowed red.

“Do you ever wondered what happened to that pig in that “Babe” movie? Could they have butche–… I’ll keep my childhood memories pure and intact.” – Daikyun