After waking up in the morning, Hiro quickly got ready and rushed out to school. But on his way, he saw a young girl surrounded by a group of gangsters. Without thinking, he shouted, telling them to stop bothering her.
Among the gangsters stood the same large man from the night before.
Despite being outnumbered—twenty guys or more—Hiro didn't flinch. He tried to use his power, attempting something new. He focused his mind and commanded them not to move.
The gang laughed, especially the big man. "What are you trying to do, kid?"
But suddenly, their bodies froze.
They were stunned.
Hiro took the girl's hand and pulled her away from the gang, running as fast as he could. Once safe, the girl looked at him in awe.
"My name's Mizuki," she said, still catching her breath. "I'm from Elizabeth High."
Hiro smiled proudly. For the first time, he used his powers to help someone.
Then—
"Oi, Hiro! Whoa whoa whoa… since when did you have a girlfriend?!" Akira shouted teasingly.
"The first time I see you with a girl—I could cry," Satou joked.
"Don't be ridiculous," Hiro replied, flustered. "I was just helping her."
"Still, that's pretty impressive," Akira said. "Even without powers, you've got guts."
Hiro grinned. "Heh… who says I don't have powers?"
"Huh?! Wait—what kind of power do you even have?"
"Alright, I'll show you. My ability is—"
Suddenly, something flew toward Hiro at high speed.
"What was that?!"
The object nearly hit him, but Hiro dodged and shielded Mizuki.
Akira's eyes widened. "Who's there?!"
From the shadows, a masked man appeared. He didn't say a word.
Akira tried to pull the masked man with his telekinesis—but nothing happened.
"What the…? My powers aren't working?!"
In an instant, the masked man appeared in front of Akira and landed a heavy punch to his face.
But before he could land another blow, Satou dashed forward and grabbed the man's body, saving Akira.
Satou tried to dodge, but tripped over a stone and fell. The masked man raised his fist again, ready to strike.
But then—
"Stop your heartbeat," Hiro whispered.
Suddenly, the masked man clutched his chest, gasping for air.
Then… he laughed.
"Kehehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!!"
"Hey! I didn't tell you to laugh!" Hiro snapped angrily.
The masked man went quiet, then slowly stood up.
"What… how is he still moving? I stopped his heart!" Hiro thought, shocked.
In the blink of an eye, the masked man vanished.
"What?!"
BAM!
A powerful punch hit Hiro straight in the face, sending him flying across the ground.
"Hiro!!" Mizuki screamed.
She tried to run to him, but the masked man stepped in her path.
"Please stop hurting him!" she cried.
"Shut up, you damn girl," he growled.
But then—
CRACK!
A huge rock soared through the air and nearly struck the masked man. He jumped back again.
"Hey, masked bastard!" Akira yelled. "You think you can beat me with one punch?! Think again!"
The masked man dashed toward Akira.
"Heh, idiot. You've walked into my trap," Akira smirked.
Suddenly, Satou appeared behind the man. He had copied the masked man's power.
"My turn."
BOOM!
Satou landed a powerful punch that sent the masked man flying into a wall.
He didn't get up.
"Is he down…?" Akira panted.
No movement.
Akira and Satou rushed to Hiro, who lay unconscious.
"Hiro! Wake up, bro!" Akira shouted, shaking him.