Emotions released the instant his fist struck.
Kafka Hibino stood on the street dyed red with kaiju blood. Breathing heavily. Heart gradually calming. His kaiju appearance also gradually faded with his inner peace.
"Changed back?"
Stubble on his chin—face full of disbelief—Kafka looked down at his restored normal body. Murmured.
"Well done."
"Keep this momentum."
Hearing the voice—Kafka turned his head. Looked toward the initially destroyed house. Natsuki-san appeared there somehow. Smiled at him.
"Amazing, senpai!"
"With that power, you can definitely join the Defense Force!" The kaiju eliminated—Reno also ran back. Said to Kafka.
One-punch kaiju kill. That strength absolutely enough to join the Defense Force.
"Ah... but without becoming a kaiju, seems I can't use that power." Kafka clenched his fist. Found himself back to ordinary human state. The one-punch kaiju-killing power disappeared.
This power—too strange.
"But even if I can't control the power skillfully now, I'm joining the Defense Force." He clenched his fist again. Recalled the thrill of killing the kaiju earlier.
Swinging that punch—he understood. He still wanted to protect people as a Defense Force member. Including her.
"So, Natsuki-san." He looked at Natsuki.
"Could you train me? I'll pay any price." His gaze extremely firm. Bowed. Expressed his sincere attitude.
Natsuki-san understood his power better. Plus—earlier at the park, one punch buried him in the ground. Proved he possessed even stronger power.
Also... this man could see through his heart. Point out his confusion.
Meeting such a person at this time—extremely fortunate. Over thirty—he clearly understood opportunity's importance. Didn't want to miss this chance.
"Please, Natsuki-san!"
First meeting. But too much happened today. Too many turns. Too many surprises. He believed this was the right decision.
"Training, huh..."
Natsuki's gaze became more serious. Examined Kafka up and down.
Kafka's situation somewhat similar to his own. Both regained fighting spirit after aging. Made his first impression of Kafka quite good.
Besides—someone actively seeking an Ultraman's help. No reason to refuse.
"Since you've said this much, I trust you're prepared."
"I won't hold back during training." Natsuki's mouth corners slightly rose. Smiled.
He'd trained Ultramen. Trained humans united with him. But training a kaiju—first time.
Perfect—he needed time understanding this world anyway. Collecting intelligence. Didn't interfere with his mission.
Also... he was curious.
Never joined a proper Earth Defense Force.
Several Ultra Brothers served in Earth Defense Forces. Often told him their experiences. Made him want to join an anti-kaiju Earth Defense Force once. Plus—easier to gather intelligence inside the Defense Force.
"Yes!"
"I'll definitely be prepared!" Kafka—hearing Natsuki agree—shouted excitedly.
Too excited—transformed back into kaiju form.
"We should leave first. Defense Force members arriving soon." Reno—seeing him transform again—hurriedly reminded.
They eliminated the kaiju. But encountering Defense Force members here—couldn't explain. Would be troublesome.
One kaiju. One alien. Him—a normal human—felt out of place.
"You're right, Ichikawa."
"Come to my place first." Kafka hurriedly calmed down. Reverted to human form. Then led the way.
After a while—
Defense Force personnel arrived.
Mina Ashiro—holding a sniper rifle—and Soshiro Hoshina—carrying short blades—first reached the battle area. Looked at collapsed houses on both sides. Red kaiju blood everywhere. Both frowned.
"Seems... someone beat us to it." Vice-Captain Hoshina quickly organized scene information mentally.
"Plus, no news of other divisions acting. Only possibility—kaiju infighting."
Mina nodded.
Crouched down. Reached out. Wiped blood on the ground. Obviously—this kaiju just eliminated recently.
"Got eyewitness reports from nearby residents?" Mina turned to another accompanying member. Asked.
Such a loud battle—should have eyewitness reports.
"This... according to nearby residents' descriptions, initially a kaiju similar to the Yoju from today at 5:03 PM appeared here. Three residential houses damaged. But residents inside unharmed."
"They said they floated up—left the kaiju's vicinity. Then saw a black shadow fall from the sky. Then a huge sound. Kaiju eliminated. Splattered blood dyed this area red. What exactly happened—they don't know."
This member looked at his records. Said.
Hoshina listened. Narrowed eyes slightly opened.
"Black shadow?"
"Could it be the small kaiju that appeared at Yokohama South General Hospital?" He stroked his chin. Integrated existing intelligence.
Their other members who went to Yokohama South General Hospital found no kaiju traces. Also—the reporting patient gave the kaiju's appearance characteristics.
If this kaiju arrived here before them. Fought with this kaiju. Everything made sense.
Also—something very noteworthy.
The three people attacked by the Yoju today—all disappeared from the hospital. Suspected kaiju attack. But no bodies found yet.
"Feels like... things are getting chaotic."
"Orders from above are confusing too."
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