Mina Ashiro's words hung heavy in the sterile hospital ward.
"Akira Kurogiri — if you can prove you're human, I'll apologize personally."
Her voice was cool steel, cutting through the white hum of the machines. Even Kikoru, who'd bristled countless times at Akira's arrogance, found herself holding her breath.
Akira stretched his arms languidly against the bedframe, as though Mina had just asked him if he preferred tea or coffee. "That's a lot of pressure for a patient, Captain Ashiro. Should I get a medal if I pass too?"
[Ravan: Provocation level: 62%. Subject Mina Ashiro not amused. Recommend tactical silence.]
Akira ignored the warning.
Kikoru slammed her palms on the edge of the bed. "You're impossible! She's giving you a chance and you're making jokes?"
Kafka tried, weakly, to mediate. "H-hey, maybe he's just nervous? Right, Akira?"
Akira flashed him a grin. "See? Someone understands me."
Reno's eyes narrowed, voice clipped. "This isn't a game. If you really are human, prove it. If not—" He didn't finish, but the threat was clear.
Mina took a step closer, her boots ringing sharply against the tiled floor. "Enough chatter. What do you know about the creature from last night? Its biology didn't match any known kaiju. Why?"
Her tone had the weight of command — not curiosity, but expectation.
Akira tilted his head. "Because it wasn't like the kaiju you've fought before. Some of them… evolve. They learn to hide. Blend in. Pretend." His gaze lingered on the others. "What if the next monster doesn't come crashing through walls, but walks in through the front door?"
A chill rippled through the room.
Kikoru's knuckles whitened. "You're saying kaiju could disguise themselves as people?"
Akira didn't confirm, didn't deny. He only smirked.
[Ravan: Statement accuracy: 47%. User deliberately withholding data. Psychological manipulation in effect.]
Mina's sharp eyes searched him, weighing his words like evidence. Her silence carried more pressure than a shouted interrogation.
Finally, she folded her arms. "Then let's cut through the words. If you claim you're human, then prove it the simplest way possible."
Akira arched a brow. "And how would you like me to do that? A written test? Blood work? An oath of loyalty?"
Mina's answer was blunt. "Eat."
The word dropped like a stone.
Kafka blinked. "Eat… what?"
Mina didn't hesitate. "Meat. Cooked. Raw. All varieties. If you're human, you'll eat without issue. If you're not—"
She let the implication hang, but Kikoru's gasp filled the silence.
"That's ridiculous! You can't just—"
Mina's gaze cut to her, sharp as a blade. Kikoru bit her tongue.
Akira leaned back, lips curling in a half-smile. "That's a very… primitive test, Captain. What's next, dunking me in water to see if I float?"
[Ravan: Advisory. Subject Mina Ashiro is uncompromising. Probability of refusal leading to immediate containment = 81%.]
"Fine," Akira said at last, stretching as if it were an inconvenience. "Bring me your feast of meat. I'll clear every plate."
Kafka exhaled in relief. "See? Easy enough! It's just food!"
Kikoru buried her face in her hands. "I can't believe this."
Reno remained stiff, but a flicker of doubt passed through his suspicion.
Surveillance Room – Tachikawa Base
Behind reinforced glass, a dozen operators had stopped pretending to type. Mina's words carried through the speakers, every officer riveted.
Kaori Kozunugi pinched the bridge of her nose. "First he insults the Captain, now we're running food experiments? This guy's a walking headache."
Soushiro Hoshina leaned casually against the console, swords at his hip, grin crooked. "You gotta admit, though—he's got style. Not many people can talk back to Mina and keep their head attached."
Kozunugi groaned. "This isn't style, this is paperwork waiting to bury us alive."
Mina's voice continued through the feed: "Prepare for delivery. Mixed cuts, varied preparation. No shortcuts."
An operator stammered. "Y-yes, ma'am!"
Hoshina smirked. "Guess it's grocery day. Poor Kikoru, she's probably the one getting stuck with the shopping."
Back in the Hospital Ward
Sure enough, Kikoru was glaring murderously. "Don't you dare make me—"
Mina cut her off. "Shinomiya, escort him. Pick what's necessary. If you're confident in your judgment, this won't take long."
Kikoru's mouth opened, closed, then snapped shut in outrage.
Kafka raised his hand timidly. "Um… can I go too? You know, for moral support?"
Reno sighed through his nose. "Someone has to make sure he doesn't try anything. Count me in."
Akira clapped his hands once, like a man being granted a day off. "Excellent. A shopping trip with friends. Just what the doctor ordered."
[Ravan: Sarcasm detected. Subject Kafka Hibino: 72% stress levels. Subject Reno Ichikawa: 81% hostility. Subject Kikoru Shinomiya: 95% outrage. User continues antagonism.]
Akira muttered under his breath, "Relax, Ravan. It'll be fun."
[Ravan: Fun not detected.]
The Shift
As the four of them prepared, Kafka pulled Akira aside. His voice dropped low. "You really shouldn't push Mina like that. She's not like the others. If she suspects you…"
Akira's eyes softened — for just a moment. "If she suspects me, then I'll survive it. Don't worry, Kafka. You focus on proving yourself. Let me handle the scary Captain."
Kafka's jaw tightened. He hated feeling powerless.
Reno caught the look and scoffed. "You talk like you're untouchable. Someday, someone's going to put you in your place."
Akira glanced at him, smirk curling. "Someday, maybe you will. Looking forward to it."
[Ravan: Observation. Subject Reno Ichikawa → hostility index reduced. Rivalry markers detected. Adjustment from fear → competitive drive.]
The group moved toward the exit, guards trailing at a cautious distance. Mina remained behind, arms folded, watching until the doors closed.
Her words lingered, sharp and cold:
"Prove it, Akira Kurogiri. Prove you're human."
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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