The Matchbox thundered through the streets of Tokyo Empire, its engine roaring with the distinctive sound that had become synonymous with Company 8's rapid response capabilities. Ryu found himself seated between Shinra and Arthur, both of whom were studying him with obvious curiosity. The reality of his situation was still sinking in—less than an hour ago, he had been a university student cramming for thermodynamics finals, and now he was racing toward his first real combat situation in a world that had previously existed only in manga and anime.
"So, new guy," Arthur said, his plasma sword resting casually across his knees, "what's your fighting experience?" Have you ever actually faced an Infernal before?"
Ryu considered the question carefully. While he had never fought an Infernal in person, his engineering background had given him a deep understanding of combustion processes, heat transfer, and energy dynamics. More importantly, his extensive knowledge of the Fire Force universe meant he understood Infernal behavior patterns, weaknesses, and the most effective suppression techniques.
"Not directly," he admitted, "but I've studied combustion mechanics extensively." I understand the theoretical principles behind infernal formation and the most efficient methods for thermal energy disruption."
Takehisa looked up from his equipment check, clearly impressed. "Theoretical knowledge is valuable, but actual combat is different. Infernals are unpredictable, and their flame patterns don't always follow conventional thermodynamic models."
"That's where instinct comes in," Shinra added, his feet already beginning to spark in anticipation. "You can know all the theory in the world, but when you're face-to-face with a raging Infernal, you have to trust your abilities and react."
Ryu nodded, though privately he knew his situation was more complex than they realized. His knowledge of the series meant he understood not just the science behind Infernals, but also their behavioral patterns, the influence of the Evangelist's power, and the deeper mysteries surrounding spontaneous human combustion. If he played his cards right, he could demonstrate abilities that would seem like intuitive brilliance but were actually based on meta-knowledge of their world.
"Approaching the scene now," Obi announced from the driver's seat. "Initial reports suggest a Third Generation Infernal with unusual flame projection capabilities. Civilian evacuation is underway, but we need to move fast before it spreads to the surrounding buildings."
Through the Matchbox's reinforced windows, Ryu could see the orange glow of flames painting the Tokyo skyline. His enhanced senses—apparently another benefit of his transformation—could detect the specific thermal signature of an Infernal fire. It was different from normal combustion, carrying an almost supernatural intensity that spoke to the otherworldly forces at work in this reality.
"Remember, Ryu," Maki said, checking her gear, "infernal suppression requires both power and precision. Too little force and they'll overwhelm you. Too much and you risk causing collateral damage. Finding that balance takes practice."
"I'll keep that in mind," Ryu replied, though his engineering background had already provided him with several theoretical approaches to optimal force application. His knowledge of materials science, coupled with his new pyrokinetic abilities, opened up tactical possibilities that the others might not have considered.
The Matchbox screeched to a halt outside a commercial building that was already half-consumed by supernatural flames. The Infernal—a twisted, humanoid figure wreathed in fire—stood in the middle of the street, its arms extended as streams of flame poured from its hands toward the surrounding structures. Citizens fled in panic while other Fire Force companies worked to establish a perimeter.
"Standard formation," Obi commanded as they disembarked. "Shinra, you're on mobility and distraction. Arthur, close-range engagement when we create an opening. Maki, crowd control and structural protection. Takehisa, covering fire and tactical coordination. Ryu..." He paused, clearly uncertain about how to deploy their newest member.
"Let me assess the situation first," Ryu said, his analytical mind already breaking down the tactical scenario. "I need to understand this particular Infernal's flame characteristics before committing to an approach."
While the others moved into position, Ryu focused his enhanced senses on the Infernal. His engineering background allowed him to analyze the creature's thermal output, flame trajectory, and energy distribution patterns with scientific precision. What he discovered was both fascinating and concerning.
This wasn't just a standard Third Generation Infernal. The flame patterns were too organized, too purposeful. There was an underlying structure to its attacks that suggested either unusual intelligence or external influence. Given his knowledge of the Fire Force storyline, Ryu suspected this might be connected to the Evangelist's growing influence over Infernal manifestations.
"Commander," he called out, "I'm reading thermal signatures that suggest this Infernal might be artificially enhanced." The flame distribution is too systematic for natural spontaneous combustion."
Obi's expression darkened. Artificially enhanced Infernals were a recent phenomenon that Company 8 had been investigating, and Ryu's quick identification of the anomaly spoke to both his analytical capabilities and his potential value to their investigations.
"Can you handle something like that?" Obi asked.
Ryu felt the heat building in his chest as his powers responded to his emotional state. This was his moment to prove himself, to show that his abilities could contribute meaningfully to Company 8's mission. More than that, if this Infernal was indeed connected to the larger conspiracy, stopping it here might prevent future casualties.
"I think so," he said, then paused and corrected himself with the confidence his engineering training had instilled in him. "Yes. I can handle it."
"Flame on," he whispered, and his entire body erupted into controlled fire.
The sensation was indescribable. Every cell in his body became a tiny furnace, generating heat and light while somehow maintaining perfect structural integrity. He could feel the thermal energy flowing through him like molten rivers, ready to be shaped and directed according to his will. It was everything he had ever imagined having Johnny Storm's powers would feel like, but magnified by the supernatural physics of the Fire Force universe.
Ryu launched himself into the air, discovering that his flame propulsion was even more efficient than he had hoped. Unlike Shinra's foot-based ignition, Ryu could generate thrust from his entire body, giving him superior maneuverability and speed. He streaked through the night sky like a human comet, his flames trailing behind him in a spectacular display.
The Infernal noticed his approach and redirected its attack toward him, sending a massive column of fire racing through the air. Any normal third-generation user would have been forced to dodge or retreat, but Ryu was far from normal. His flame-covered body punched straight through the Infernal's attack, his superior thermal control allowing him to maintain cohesion even when surrounded by hostile fire.
"Impossible," he heard Arthur mutter from below. "He's flying right through its flames like they're nothing!"
Ryu smiled grimly. His engineering background had given him a crucial advantage—he understood that his flame body wasn't just immune to fire but could actually absorb and redirect thermal energy from external sources. The Infernal's attacks were actually making him stronger.
But raw power alone wouldn't be enough. He needed precision, and that required applying scientific principles to superhuman abilities. As he closed with the Infernal, Ryu began rapidly cycling his body temperature, creating thermal differentials that generated powerful air currents. The sudden pressure changes disrupted the Infernal's flame projection, creating the opening his teammates needed.
"Now!" he shouted, and Shinra rocketed forward with his characteristic grin, his plasma-enhanced kicks striking the Infernal's core while its defenses were compromised.
The creature staggered but didn't fall. Its flames began to reorganize, preparing for another assault, but Ryu was already implementing his next tactic. Drawing on his knowledge of metallurgy and materials science, he focused his thermal output into a precise, concentrated beam—essentially creating a plasma cutter with his bare hands.
The superheated beam sliced through the Infernal's flame projectors, severing the supernatural connections that allowed it to maintain its enhanced abilities. Without those augmentations, it reverted to a more standard Infernal configuration, vulnerable to conventional suppression techniques.
"Arthur, now you can engage safely!" Ryu called out, and the would-be knight charged forward with his plasma sword, delivering the final blow that freed the Infernal's soul and allowed it to find peace.
As the flames died down and the immediate threat passed, Ryu allowed his own fire form to subside. He landed gracefully next to his new teammates, who were all staring at him with expressions ranging from amazement to respect to barely concealed awe.
"That was incredible," Shinra said, his grin wider than ever. "I've never seen flame control like that. How did you know exactly where to target your attacks?"
Ryu's mind raced for an explanation that wouldn't reveal his meta-knowledge. "Engineering background,"he said finally. "I could analyze the thermal flow patterns and identify the structural weak points in itsflame matrix. It's just applied thermodynamics."
"Just applied thermodynamics," Takehisa repeated, shaking his head in amazement. "You made it look likean exact science."
"Because it is," Ryu replied. "Fire might seem chaotic, but it follows predictable physical laws.Understanding those laws gives you a tactical advantage."
Commander Obi approached with a satisfied expression. "Outstanding work, Ryu. Your analyticalapproach and raw power make for an impressive combination. But I noticed something during the fight—you seemed to know exactly what kind of enhanced Infernal we were dealing with almost immediately.That kind of rapid assessment is unusual, even for experienced fire soldiers."
Ryu felt a moment of tension. He needed to be careful not to reveal too much knowledge too quickly."I've been studying reports of unusual Infernal activity," he said, which was technically true if youconsidered watching anime as studying reports. "The thermal signatures matched patterns I'd read aboutin theoretical papers on artificial combustion enhancement."
It was a plausible explanation, and Obi seemed to accept it. More importantly, it established Ryu assomeone with valuable research capabilities in addition to his combat abilities.
"Well, whatever your methods, they work," Obi said. "Welcome to Company 8, Ryu Akira. I have a feelingyou're going to be a valuable addition to our team."
As they packed up their equipment and prepared to return to headquarters, Ryu reflected on his firstmission. He had successfully demonstrated his abilities without revealing the true extent of hisknowledge, established himself as both powerful and analytical, and most importantly, he had saved livesand contributed meaningfully to Company 8's mission.
But this was just the beginning. His knowledge of the Fire Force storyline told him that much greaterchallenges lay ahead—the White-Clad, the Evangelist, the truth about the Great Cataclysm, and the rolethat Shinra and the other pillars would play in humanity's fate. If he was going to make a real difference inthis world, he needed to become stronger, smarter, and more trusted by his new teammates.
The drive back to headquarters was filled with excited chatter about the mission and speculation aboutRyu's unique abilities. As he listened to his new colleagues—people who had been fictional charactersjust hours ago—Ryu felt a deep sense of responsibility settling over him.
He had been given incredible power and impossible knowledge. Now he had to prove worthy of both,not just for his own sake, but for the sake of everyone in this world who was counting on Company 8 toprotect them from the flames that threatened to consume everything.
The real test was just beginning.