Outbound

Roundabout Path

"I guess Takeyama's invincible body is no more," Naoya remarks with a hint of satisfaction, his gaze still locked on the pile of mangled flesh that was once Takeyama's head. Nero nods, acknowledging the truth of the situation. He approaches Naoya, his demeanor composed and his eyes focused. Nero asks, "Did you destroy all the stuff related to super human research?" Naoya nods, confirming Nero's question. "I destroyed every last bit of evidence related to the super human research. The documents, the research data, the equipment - it's all been rendered useless. Their project is finished." Naoya smiles for a split second and adds, "Except for one syringe, something special for myself if I ever get too curious." Naoya explains. Nero gets surprised and speaks, "You are supposed to destroy super human stuff not join them." Naoya chuckles at Nero's surprise, his expression carrying a hint of amusement. "I know, I know. I was supposed to destroy all the evidence. But sometimes, even the best laid plans have exceptions. 

Nero continues with a sigh, "I don't even know why you need that if you are already stronger than super humans." Naoya shrugs, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Who said I need it? I don't need it per se. It's more of a backup plan, a safety net. Even the strongest have vulnerabilities, right?" "No, you do not. Me and Aoi had problems against them and you are straight up destroying them without breaking a sweat." Naoya grins, acknowledging the truth in Nero's words. "You're right. I've been handling them without much difficulty. But trust me, there's a reason why I'm holding on to that syringe." "Alright, Mr. Fake God. I was mad at your for calling yourself a god but after seeing all this, it's not really wrong in my eyes." Nero says. Naoya grins, a hint of arrogance in his expression. "Mr. Fake God, huh? I like the sound of that. And you're right, it's not entirely wrong." Naoya continues, "Speaking of Aoi, where is she? She is safe right? I saw her unconscious, well, I assumed she is." Nero nods, replying to Naoya's question about Aoi. "Don't worry, Aoi is safe. She's over there near the entrance we came from. Let's pick her up and get the hell outta here before police or multiple different mafia ends up here. Maybe even military who knows?" Nero and Naoya begin to make their way towards Aoi's location, moving cautiously and carefully. Their eyes remain vigilant, scanning the area for any signs of danger or unwanted company. 

Naoya speaks up, "The building will be consumed by flames in a few minutes so we gotta move quick." Nero nods in agreement, understanding the urgency of the situation. "I got it. We'll grab Aoi and get out fast." As they reach Aoi's location, they find her unconscious and lying nearby. Naoya gently lifts her body, carrying her carefully in his arms. "She's safe," he mutters, his voice tinged with relief. Nero speaks afterwards, "Where's your katana? You don't need it anymore?" Naoya glances at Nero, realizing he's referring to the katana. He answers with a nonchalant shrug, "It will come back to me one way or another, don't worry about it. Let's go." With Aoi held securely in his arms, Naoya and Nero quickly make their way towards the exit. They keep a brisk pace, their senses vigilant for any signs of danger or unexpected surprises. Nero watches Naoya effortlessly carrying Aoi, feeling a pang of frustration. The realization of the huge gap between them, with the revelation about the super human syringe adding to his sense of inadequacy. 

"Hey Naoya, can you leave Aoi on the ground for a second? I noticed something on the back of your body and I need to check it." Naoya glances at Nero, puzzled by the request. He gently lowers Aoi to the ground, ensuring she is comfortable before turning his attention to Nero. Nero walks to the back of Naoya and with a fast strike to his neck, he knocks Naoya out. Naoya feels a swift strike to the back of his neck, and before he could react, everything goes black. He falls limp, unconscious as Nero delivers the knockout blow. "Sorry, Naoya. I won't allow you to reach greater strength anymore. I need the syringe for myself." Nero speaks out loud. Nero looks down at Naoya's unconscious form, a mix of guilt and determination in his expression. He continues talking aloud, justifying his actions. Nero quickly locates the syringe he was looking for, retrieving it from Naoya's belongings. He spares one last glance at the unconscious figures of Aoi and Naoya before he silently leaves them behind. With the syringe in hand, he makes his way out of the building, moving swiftly and cautiously.

Aoi slowly regains consciousness not too long after Nero left, her eyes fluttering open as she comes back to her senses. Her surroundings are still hazy, and her head feels groggy from the earlier unconsciousness. As Aoi's senses come back to her, she struggles to gather her bearings due to the ongoing fire in the building. She coughs a few time due to the lessening of oxygen in the air. Her body feels heavy, and her last memories are fragmented. Sitting up slowly, she looks around, trying to get her bearings. Aoi notices Naoya lying unconscious nearby, and a wave of concern washes over her. She weakly crawls over to him, shaking his shoulder gently. "Naoya..." Her voice is soft and filled with worry. Aoi gently shakes Naoya's shoulder, calling out his name. "Naoya... Wake up... Please wake up..." Her voice is tinged with concern and worry as she tries to rouse him from his unconscious state. Aoi continues to shake Naoya's shoulder, her voice growing slightly frantic. "Naoya, come on, please wake up... I need you to wake up." She checks his vital signs, ensuring he is still breathing. Fear and worry flood her mind as she waits for any sign of him waking up. Naoya stirs, his eyes suddenly snapping open as he gasps loudly. The memory of being struck from behind is still fresh in his mind, and he looks around in a disoriented state. Naoya quickly assess the situation, his eyes taking in the intense flames that have engulfed the building. He urgently addresses Aoi. "We have to get out fast," he says, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.