It was the sound of Sonic Youth falling.

Slipknot shot Sonic Youth from behind at a close range.

Aiming at the weak spot of his protector (or armor), it was a fatal wound.

Neito laughed at the hero who fell to the ground.

[It’s unfortunate Sonic Youth…]

[…W-w…why…!?]

Crawling on the ground, Sonic Youth still didn’t grasp what had happen to him.

Even with Over-Sense, Sonic Youth was still human. Unlike Ramone or Dylan, he didn’t do any enhancements to his body. A bullet alone was enough to gravely injure him.

[Didn’t I tell you? I’ll use any method just to win.]

Normally, you can’t kill him at long distances. Nor get close to him either. And during battle, with his Over-Sense, he can dodge every attack thrown at him.

That’s why this was the only way to defeat him.

A strike outside of battle where he isn’t fully cautious of. Hiding the killing intent before the strike, and as fast as possible, pull the trigger accurately on the weak spot.

The only person capable of doing that was Slipknot himself.

Ever since they met at the high-rise building, Neito already decided to use Slipknot to defeat Sonic Youth. After the battle with him, he planned this whole thing with Slipknot.

[… My bad Sonic. I’m with this guy. No matter what it takes, I’ll achieve my objective.]

Slipknot then continued firing bullet after bullet into Sonic Youth. The man known as Sonic Youth was now dead.

The man who made his dream come true, the man who vowed to protect everybody’s dream, was now dead.

[See ya, Sonic Youth. You were really amazing, I hope heaven exists for you. No doubt you’ll be sent there.]

Neito whispered to himself.

Sonic Youth was a strong man. He represented America’s heroes and was very commendable.

His actions were worthy of an award but,

Neito thought, not everybody can be as strong as you. Chasing after your dream is an amazing thing, but not everybody can do it. The world was built that way. That’s why I… I’m going to destroy such world.

[Now then Metallica b.a.s.t.a.r.d, spill it out. Where is Mr. Big’s safe house? You better not say “Don’t kill him” or some kind of joke will you?]

Slipknot pointed the gun at Neito.

[No, go ahead and kill him. This is his location. Well, if I died and you didn’t follow as you were instructed, Mr. Big would’ve been released by now. If he escape, you won’t find any other chance to kill Mr. Big will you?]

Neito pulled out a memory stick which had Mr. Big’s location and threw it to Slipknot.

He defeated Sonic Youth.  But the fight for control over Crimson was now starting. This would be his greatest betrayal yet.

[Uwa-… You’re so merciless. Ok Ok. As long as I get to kill my target then I’m good.]

[Is that so? Then you should change and get it over with before the smoke clears.]

The rocket launcher shot at Neito wasn’t a shot to kill him. Slipknot suppressed its power and subst.i.tuted it with a substance that would cause smoke. The exploded vehicles were also pre-planned by Slipknot. In short, everything was staged and calculated by Slipknot.

With the burning vehicles and the thick smoke, you can’t see anything of the bridge from outside.

What they needed to do what interchange Slipknot and Sonic Youth.

The man formerly known as Slipknot will wear the Protector (or armor) and Sonic Rollers.

The dead man formerly known as Sonic Youth will wear the Black Tights.

Desecrating a hero’s dead body was no good business. That’s why they also needed to do it with the cover of the smoke.

Slipknot was smiling as he wore Sonic Youth’s costume.

[Hey you, can you still use the Sonic Rollers?]

[Hmm-. I can’t use it freely like Sonic-kun, but it should be fairly possible to skate out and disappear in this.]

They finished interchanging. The smoke was already about to clear, exposing the current scene.

Neito transformed and grabbing Sonic Youth dressed as Slipknot by the face, he raised it up.

He then walked to the edge of the bridge.

Look at me Manhattan! Look at me America! Crimson! Behold this sight!

I defeated Slipknot with my hands. Sonic Youth is about to escape!

Behold the sight of a man who abandoned his ally amidst danger!

Helping the man who tried to kill his woman’s father!

I defeated all the heroes in America, taking away hope from everybody!

All in the name of Evil!

I will obtain Crimson and stand on top of Metallica!

I will rule everything and destroy the world!

No one can stop me!

That day, every citizen fixed their eyes on the battle of Was.h.i.+ngton Bridge, where two heroes collided with the forces of Crimson. They saw the battle live and was shocked by the final scene.

A rough battle occurred amidst fire and smoke. As the smoke cleared, a demon was holding Slipknot’s body up high, and the famed Sonic Youth ran for his life.

It was an utterly despairing sight. Any human that looked at that scene could say nothing more.