Outbound

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As the chains hurtle towards their target, a sudden intervention occurs. A katana, hurled through the air with precision, slices through the chains, severing them in half before they can reach Nero. The cut metallic links clatter to the ground, their assault halted by the unexpected intervention. The katana lodges itself into the wall, its blade embedded into the solid surface. The force of the throw and the impact results in the katana firmly fixed in place, a testament to the power behind the unexpected projectile. Naoya steps into the scene, his gaze taking in the aftermath of the confrontation. He surveys the tableau before him – Nero paralyzed, Aoi unconscious, and Takeyama clutching his severed chains, a look of surprise mixed with irritation etched on his face. Naoya takes in the scene with a calm demeanor, assessing the situation before him. Naoya's eyes land on the severed head of Shiro lying motionless on the ground, a grim reminder of the recent battle's outcome. He regards the sight with a stoic expression, taking in the magnitude of what had just occurred. 

Naoya's voice cuts through the air, directed towards Nero with a hint of mockery. "I thought you were the one supposed to handle superhuman threats, huh? Seems like you didn't quite measure up," he taunts, the superiority dripping from his words. Following Naoya's sharp remark, Nero, unable to respond due to his paralysis, can only seethe silently. His frustration and indignation burn fiercely within him as he remains frozen, a captive audience to the ongoing interaction. Takeyama's gaze flicks from his broken chains to Naoya, his annoyance evident in his tone. "Who the hell are you? Just another annoying insect for me to squash?" he sneers, his voice laced with contempt. Naoya coolly walks over to Takeyama, his stride filled with confidence. A subtle smirk plays on his lips as he addresses the larger man. "You're a loudmouth, aren't you?" he remarks, his tone dripping with arrogance. Takeyama's response echoes with a mix of defiance and self-assurance. "What does it matter if I am?" he retorts, his voice infused with a touch of arrogance. "In the face of a fly swatter, what chance does a mere fly stand?" The confrontation between Naoya and Takeyama intensifies as their verbal exchange continues. "Big talk for someone who's about to be squashed," Naoya sneers, his confidence unwavering as he faces the larger man. Takeyama replies, a mocking tone lacing his words. "That's some bold talk, coming from someone who hasn't even reached my height," he retorts, a condescending smirk on his face. 

Naoya and Takeyama find themselves locked in a standoff, their gazes locked, and their bodies separated by a mere whisper of space. The air is charged with tension as they face off, each waiting for the other to make a move. As Nero's paralysis subsides, the atmosphere within the building seems to transform, shifting in response to the presence of Naoya. The palpable tension in the air dissipates, giving way to a newfound energy as Nero regains control over his body. Nero, seizing the opportunity to extract himself from the stand-off, hastily moves towards Aoi and carefully lifts her motionless body into his arms. He swiftly carries her to a safer location, ensuring her safety in the chaotic situation. Carrying Aoi protectively in his arms, Nero moves her away from the immediate danger. He places her gently down in a secure spot, making sure to shield her from any potential harm. With Aoi now safely removed from the fray, Nero turns his attention back to the ongoing confrontation between Naoya and Takeyama. Naoya glances at the broken chains in Takeyama's hands and questions, "Hey, what's with those chains? Some kind of slave mark for you?" His tone drips with derision, mocking Takeyama's apparent reliance on them. Unfazed by Naoya's taunts, Takeyama scoffs and responds, "They're for crushing ants like you, fool." His voice resonates with arrogance, betraying his confidence in his own power. 

Drawing himself up tall, Naoya declares confidently, "Oh, I'll pin you right to the wall, using those very chains." His voice carries a tone of authority, as if he has no doubts about his own abilities. With his proclamation echoing through the room, Naoya stands his ground, his eyes locked onto Takeyama. He awaits the ensuing confrontation, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he prepares for the upcoming clash. The tension in the air reaches its zenith as both Naoya and Takeyama simultaneously throw a punch. The powerful blows meet with a force that seems to shake the very room. The air cracks with the impact as they clash, unleashing a flurry of fists in a fierce exchange of power. Naoya's punch connects squarely with Takeyama's chest, but to his surprise, it seems to have no real effect. The force of the blow bounces off Takeyama's chest, barely even making him flinch. Naoya's eyes widen slightly in surprise as he begins to understand the true extent of Takeyama's strength. In a swift motion, Takeyama releases his chains towards Naoya, the metallic links hurtling through the air with fearsome speed. The glint of the chains reflect the tension in the room as they approach their target. Naoya swiftly reacts to the incoming attack, dodging the chains with agile grace. His body moves with lightning quick precision, avoiding being ensnared by the metallic links. The chains hiss through the air, narrowly missing their intended target. Takeyama's frustration is evident as his attack fails to land its mark. Naoya seizes the opportunity, following up on his evasive maneuver with a swift lunge directly towards Takeyama. His body propels forward, and he delivers a powerful uppercut, intending to connect with Takeyama's chin. The force of the blow threatens to send Takeyama flying backwards, if it lands successfully.

Naoya's uppercut connects, sending Takeyama flying backwards towards the ceiling. The impact results in them breaking through the solid barrier and crashing through the ceiling to the next floor. The crash resounds through the building, evidence of the incredible force unleashed in their clash. Nero witnesses the spectacular event unfold before his eyes. As Naoya and Takeyama crash through the ceiling and onto the upper floor, the building trembles and a portion of it crumbles, sending debris cascading down. Nero's eyes widen in shock and disbelief at the sheer magnitude of their confrontation.