Outbound

Playing God

1 Week Later, Aoi, Naoya, and Nero sit silently in the room, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Aoi breaks the silence, her voice breaking the tension. "Okay I know this mission is dangerous but we can't just stay silent and let ourselves get killed right?" Naoya lets out a scoff, his arms crossed over his chest. "Who said we're staying silent?" he retorts, his voice laced with determination. "I'll tear through anything that gets in our way." A shiver runs down Nero's spine at Naoya's words. "Don't get too cocky," Nero chimes in, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "That lab is heavily guarded according to our intel." Aoi continues and raises a concern. "How are we supposed to deal with alleged super lab humans?" Naoya smirks, confidence radiating from him. "We'll figure it out as we go," he says, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We've faced tough opponents before. We'll find a way." Nero speaks up, "I am at the very least hoping that their vital organs can be damaged or it will be a serious trouble." Aoi nods in agreement, her gaze serious. "Yeah, if their bodies are really that strong, we'll need to aim for their weaknesses," she says thoughtfully. "We'll have to be strategic about this."

Mr. Shinoda and Old Man enter the room, shutting the door behind them. Shinoda's eyes scan the room, a mixture of concern and confidence reflecting in his gaze. Old man looks a bit battered but still standing strong. "Okay, let's get down to business." Mr. Shinoda says and takes a seat, old man doing the same. Silence falls in the room as everyone waits for Shinoda to speak. Aoi's fingers tap nervously on the table, Naoya leans back in his chair with his arms crossed, and Nero fidgets with his hands. "Kayaba, Takashi, Ruby, Aki and Takemoto will be infiltrating the second lab in order to gain intel rather than destruction." Shinoda says and Old Man continues, "You three will be responsible with taking care of the main lab." The tension in the room grows palpable as the mission is revealed. Naoya's expression remains neutral, a slight crease appearing between his brows. Nero's fists clench unconsciously, his gaze darting between Old Man and Shinoda. Aoi sits quietly, her mind already devising tactics and strategies. She then decides to raise a question. ""And why isn't it an equal share of parties and it's instead three to five?" 

Shinoda raises an eyebrow at Aoi's question, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "We have our reasons," he says cryptically, his voice gruff. Old man leans back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. "Each lab has its unique challenges, and we need specific specialists for both," he explains as he glances at Aoi. Nero chimes in, "Listen, I know we are considered elite of the elite but like I have never fought super humans before. Why are we all acting like this is like a normal occurence?" Shinoda lets out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "I know you're nervous, kid," he says, his tone softening slightly. "But you were chosen for a reason. You have the skills and the potential to handle this." Old man nods in agreement, his gaze fixed on Nero. "We have complete faith in your abilities," he affirms. Naoya gets up from his chair with a look of sheer focus. He then asks, "Second team is responsible for infiltrating and gaining information. What is our objective in the main lab?" Shinoda eyes Naoya, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Your primary objective," he begins, his voice firm. "Is to cause as much chaos and destruction as possible. Destroy any research data, equipment, or anything else that might possibly lead to creation of more super humans."

Naoya asks again, "And why is that? Wouldn't main lab's information be more valuable for us instead?" "Your question shows your lack of experience, kid," Old man chimes in, a wry smile playing on his lips. "The data from the main lab holds the secrets to the creation of the superhumans, and destroying it is the key to preventing further development of artificial life." "That is where I disagree, geezer. If there is a way to make yourself a super human, you do so. Power is everything, as long as I am alive, I live to become stronger." Old man chuckles, shaking his head. "You're young and naive, kid. Power isn't everything," he says, his voice tinged with experience. "There are some things you should never mess with, and playing god is one of them." Naoya stares into old man's eyes and responds, "Who said I was playing?" Naoya says and leaves the room, closing the door rather calmly rather than slamming it shut." 

Naoya's sudden departure leaves Shinoda and Old man exchanging a glance, their expressions a mix of surprise and resignation. Shinoda sighs and rubs his temples, while Old man simply shakes his head. Aoi speaks afterwards, "Yes, he is very cocky but we can't just ignore the fact that this mission will quite literally will be in our favor as long as he is coming with us." Shinoda nods, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "You're right," he admits, tapping his fingers on the table. "Naoya's arrogance can be annoying, but his strength can't be denied. We need him for this mission." Nero grits his teeth with annoyance and anger."Who does he think he is? Did he just call himself a god? I will surpass him if it's the last thing I do." Old man can't help but chuckle at Nero's outburst. "Ah, the fire of youth," he muses. While Shinoda turns to Nero with a stern look. "Focus on the mission, Nero. Beating Naoya should be the least of your concerns right now." "I will not only make sure we successfully finish the mission, I will do it better than Naoya, Mr. Shinoda." Nero declares. Shinoda eyes Nero sternly, sizing up the young man's determination. "Pride and arrogance won't get you far on this mission," he warns, his voice firm. "Remember, it's about working together and being smart about it. A successful mission is what matters most." Aoi chimes in, "Alright, fuck it then. I am making sure we pass this mission too."

Shinoda lets out a weary sigh, rubbing his temple. "Looks like we've got a trio of stubborn youngsters here," he mutters, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just remember, working together is key. Use each other's strengths to your advantage." "Fuck teamwork, I will put Naoya back in his place." Nero states and leaves the room. Shinoda watches Nero leave with a frustrated expression, while Aoi just sighs, shaking her head in exasperation. Old man chuckles quietly, enjoying the display of youthful bravado. Shinoda turns to Aoi, his expression serious again. "Well, looks like we'll have our hands full dealing with those two," he says, a hint of a weary smile on his lips. "Make it three, I ain't any better." Aoi winks and leaves the room as well. "Oh great," Shinoda mutters under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as he's left alone with Old man in the room. "These kids are going to give me grey hairs," he grumbles. Shinoda chuckles to himself for a second and speaks to old man. "You not only have white hair, you are balding too." Old man laughs heartily, a wide grin splitting his weathered face. "Touché, Shinoda," he replies jokingly, running his hand over his thinning hair. "But I'm not so sure you're far behind me in that regard." "Oh shut up, don't even start." Shinoda sighs with annoyance. 

Old man just chuckles again, clearly enjoying the banter. "Ah, lighten up," he says, patting Shinoda's shoulder playfully. "We may be old and grey, but we've still got it, right?" "We lost our speed but we still got it indeed." Old man nods in agreement. "Exactly," he says with a grin. "Experience and wisdom count for something. Those youngsters could learn from us." "At some point in time, each one of them will learn that power only leads to chaos if used wrongly." Shinoda says. Old man nods solemnly, his gaze fixed on some distant point. "Yes, power is a double-edged sword," he says, his voice tinged with wisdom. "When wielded carelessly, it can bring about destruction and chaos. It takes discipline and restraint to use it responsibly." Shinoda leans forward with a smirk, thinking about the possible future. He then begins to speak. "It's exciting me. A version of Naoya who has experience, wisdom and power all at once." Old man chuckles, a gleam in his eye. "Sounds like you're envisioning a future where Naoya really becomes a force to be reckoned with," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. He still has a lot of growing up to do."

Shinoda grins in response to this and responds,
"His growth cannot be stopped. After all, his ability is-"