Outbound

Inhuman Showdown

Present Time, October 12th - Early In The Morning

Takemoto and Aki sit at a table in the ramen place, idly waiting for Nero's arrival. The early morning hour means the place is quiet, with only a few customers sparsely scattered throughout. As Nero walks into the ramen place, the atmosphere seems to shift ever so slightly. The other customers glance up as he enters, immediately recognizing his presence. Nero speaks up, "Haven't had ramen in a good minute. Nice thinking, Takemoto." Takemoto grins, taking the compliment graciously. "Of course, Nero. Figured a good bowl of ramen would be a great way to start the morning." Aki speaks up, "Is everything going according to the plan about Point Extort?" Nero sits down at the table with a confident smirk. "Everything's going smoothly so far," he responds. "We have the information on our side, so the plan is progressing nicely." Takemoto continues, "About Naoya, how do we kill him exactly? Though, knowing you...You would probably want him alive." Nero's expression darken briefly at the mention of Naoya. He leans back in his chair, contemplating the best approach. "I want him alive," he confirms. "He's more valuable alive than dead right now." Takemoto asks, "Why though? I thought you hated him?" Nero's smirk returns, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Oh, I do hate him. But there's something I need from him." Aki asks this time, "You? From someone who has been known dead until recently? Nero chuckles at Aki's question, amused by the irony of the situation. "Yeah, you could say that," he responds. "But believe me, what I need from Naoya is worth keeping him alive." Nero continues, "Though, not sure if you two would want him dead..." He says nonchalantly which makes Aki and Takemoto realize that Nero knows something. Aki and Takemoto exchange glances, their eyes widening slightly as they process Nero's words. It becomes clear that Nero is aware of something they don't. "What do you mean by that?" Aki inquires, a hint of wariness in his voice. Nero continues, "I find it funny that you two thought that I wouldn't know anything?" Takemoto and Aki's faces turn serious as they listen to Nero's words. They didn't expect him to know about their opinions on the matter. "What exactly do you know?" Takemoto asks, his tone guarded. "Teaming up with Naoya to kill me is something even I wouldn't imagine coming from you two." Nero says plainly. 

Aki and Takemoto's eyes widen with surprise. They exchange nervous glances, caught off guard by Nero's revelation. "How..." Takemoto starts, but trails off, unable to finish the question. Aki and Takemoto freeze as the other customers in the ramen shop suddenly point their guns at them, their movements coordinated and swift. Aki and Takemoto's faces pale as they realize that they've been caught and outplayed. The guns pointed at them serve as a stark reminder of the situation they're in. Takemoto tries to speak, his voice wavering. "How long... have you known?" "Since forever." Nero says with a smile. Takemoto and Aki's expressions shift from surprise to disbelief. The revelation that Nero has known about their treachery for an extended period leaves them speechless. "We..." Takemoto tries to find the words, but his voice trails off. "We'll do things my way from now on. I will go to some abandoned factory like how you two wanted me to. Though, can't promise I will be alone or without weapons." Nero declares. Aki and Takemoto glance at each other, the realization setting in that their plan has been sabotaged and they are entirely at Nero's mercy. Takemoto speaks up, his voice shaky. "And if we refuse?" 

Nero begins to chuckle maniacally in response. The sound of Nero's maniacal chuckle sends a chill down Aki and Takemoto's spines. They exchange fearful glances, understanding the implication of Nero's laughter. "You won't refuse," Nero states matter-of-factly. 

The Next Day

Naoya sits on a chair inside the abandoned factory, the dim lighting casting shadows around him. He taps his fingers impatiently, waiting for Aki and Takemoto to appear. The sound of footsteps echo through the empty factory as Aki and Takemoto enter the space. Naoya turns his gaze towards them, his expression a mix of irritation and anticipation. "Hey" Naoya says. Aki nods as a greeting as they approach Naoya, taking up positions several feet away. Takemoto glances around the empty factory, wary of any possible ambush. "Yeah. Did you two lure him here like the plan?"  Takemoto and Aki nod in response. "We did," Takemoto confirms. "Nero is on his way." "Good" Naoya says. Aki keeps his eyes on the surroundings, his hand resting near his gun holster. Takemoto glances at Naoya briefly, his gaze betraying a hint of unease. "You're handling this whole situation surprisingly calm," Takemoto remarks. "You want me to be frantic about it?" Naoya questions. Takemoto shrugs, slightly taken aback by Naoya's composed demeanor. "I just thought you'd be more...on edge, given the circumstances." "Nah, I have been itching to face off with him ever since his betrayal." Takemoto cocks an eyebrow, slightly surprised by Naoya's eagerness for the confrontation. "You sound almost excited," he comments. 

"Because I am. Haven't fought him since he used that super human bullshit on himself." Takemoto chuckles, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Ah, so you wanna settle the score, eh?" Aki's ears perk up at the sound of approaching footsteps. He looks towards the entrance, his hand slowly moving closer to his gun. "He's here," he mutters, his voice low. Takemoto and Aki tense up as Nero finally enters the factory, his footsteps echoing throughout the empty space. He glances around, his gaze landing on Naoya sitting calmly. "Surprised you had the face to even show up." Naoya says to Nero. Nero chuckles coldly, his smirk betraying no hint of fear or hesitation. "And miss the chance to settle things with you? There's no way I would pass that up." "Settle things my ass. You cocksucker would do anything for power. Even more than me." Nero's smirk grows wider at Naoya's comment. "Oh, you've got that right," he concedes. "Power is everything. And I'll do whatever it takes to obtain it." "You talk like the old me which makes this even more ironic." Naoya says as he gets up. Aki and Takemoto watches this unfold. Takemoto and Aki watch the interaction between Nero and Naoya intently, their eyes darting between the two. They seem nervous, anticipating the confrontation. Nero regards Naoya with a sneer. "You're one to talk. You've been chasing power just as relentlessly as I have." Naoya unsheathes his katana. "You sold me out to become a super human and lied to everyone about me and Aoi. When people were about to learn the truth, you got rid of Aoi. You thought I wouldn't get revenge?" Nero raises an eyebrow at the sight of Naoya's katana. "Oh, so you've come prepared, I see. But revenge? You really think you're in a position to take revenge?" 

"You aren't the first one to make fun of my wound and how it slows me down. Surely though, I will make this the last time you say it." Nero sniffs dismissively, unimpressed by Naoya's words. "Your wound is a weakness, plain and simple. You think you have what it takes to win a fight with me, even in your current state?" "I was killing super humans like they were nothing without needing a syringe. Unlike a certain dumb motherfucker." Nero scoffs at Naoya's words, clearly not intimidated. "Spare me the bravado, Naoya. Maybe you were strong before, but not anymore. That wound has weakened you significantly." "Cry me a river, Nero. Are you unsheathing that katana and fighting me or not?" Nero's smirk falters for a moment as Naoya's words strike a nerve. He regards Naoya intently, then slowly unsheathes his own katana. "Fine. I'll give you the fighting chance you don't deserve." Aki and Takemoto step back, giving Nero and Naoya ample space to fight. They stand at a distance, observing the confrontation between the two.

Naoya and Nero stand facing each other, katanas drawn and ready. There's an intense tension in the air, the stillness of the factory seeming to heighten the anticipation. "I hope you aren't planning on playing games with me with that pathetic excuse of an innate ability rock-paper-scissors." Naoya says. Nero snorts derisively, his smirk returning to his face. "Don't worry, I won't bother with that against you. I know I don't need it to beat you." "Good to know that you smartened up a little." Naoya mocks Nero. Nero rolls his eyes, clearly unamused by Naoya's response. "Save the sarcasm. You won't be talking for long once I put you in your place." "You aren't the first one to tell me that. Let's see what those super human capabilities can do."

The showdown commences as both fighters lunges at each other!