Chapter 23
Title: Masquerade of Players
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Third Person POV. -- 2nd Of November -- 2415
[ Banquet Halls ]
Detnerat Company, a company famous for their inventions and everyday support items that help in the everyday needs of the people of Japan.
Quirk-support gear, Everyday products adapted for different abilities, Equipment meant to liberate people from limitations or defects caused by their Quirks. These are things that the company is famous for producing.
But that is all on the surface.
Detnerat on the surface may be a beacon of justice, a company that has ears and would be willing to listen to the cries of the people, helping their clients and citizens of Japan by making them tools that will make their everyday lives much easier, but behind that facade there is a much darker agenda behind the establishment of this company.
The MLA, which stands for Meta Liberation Army, are a country wide organization that is mostly composed of sympathizers and people who follow an ideology set by its leader.
This Idealistic organization wasn't established recently either, but came to be since the concepts of Quirks became a thing all those decades ago.
Inside this origanization, Normal citizens,
–people who believe in the concept of quirk liberation, an ideal that entails anyone should be able to use their meta abilities however they want.
Politicians and Public Officials, Corporate figures and Professionals, even some low level Pro Heroes, and many other class and type of people. All of these different walks of life have gathered under this banner, the banner of Liberation, in order to liberate those oppressed by the hero system.
This corporate's span doesn't just stretch to a few cities either, they span the entire country of Japan. –Though not right now either, maybe in a few years.
Many people understand and sympathize with what this ideological movement represents, and many are ready to take up arms in order to make it a reality.
It seems that, when humans become too comfortable with life, they instinctively find ways to destroy that peace and comfort. It's within human nature to destroy, to fight, to war.
Even Benihana Retsu isn't exempt from this.
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Yotsubashi Rikiya, a man of 205 cm (6'7 ft) height who has a tall, odd-looking, middle-aged appearance, with a prominently long, pointed nose and obtruding chin, as well as small, dark eyes.
He has short, orange-brownish hair, set noticeably far up his forehead, a widow's peak pointing downwards in the center, and he wears it swept back around his head. He doesn't have any visible eyebrows, and also possesses two dark moles on the left of his forehead. This stems from a result of his Quirk that causes his hair to recede.
Sometimes, when he feels upset, a dark fire-like stain spreads around his eyes, becoming a large facial stain that resembles a domino mask. Despite appearing relatively slim, he is shown to have quite a muscular mantle and figure.
Currently, the man of the hour, the orchestrator of this Masquerade, is seen walking inside the wide room, a glass of yellow champagne in hand as he interacts with the people who have attended this yearly ceremony.
The people he interacts with, all of them are connected to his other facade in one way or another. Some of them are a member, some who support the ideology that the MLA stands for, and some who actively work in the spreading of the liberation's ideology.
Rikiya holds these ceremonies, –sometimes as gallas, sometimes as ball events, and sometimes even as Soirée events.
His main focus for these events are to recruit more people to his cause. And tonight, he has a few faces he plans on turning to his side,
–under the pretense of social talks of course.
'Everything is set now. The people are here, and many more are on their way at this moment.
This year, some very interesting people are also attending, be it from the years before who haven't been 'converted yet', or those who are new. ' Rikiya monologues in his mind, his face currently the immaculate and honest face of the CEO of Detnerat Company.
His stress levels are also low, putting him in quite the good mood too, –which will be breaking apart in the next few moments.
As he is leisurely walking through the ball room, talking with people and flattering them, laughing at trivial things with the facade he's putting on, Rikiya suddenly freezes in place.
The main doors into the hall is opened, and in walks 3 distinct people.
They aren't your typical high class family either. Even among the high class, they are in a league of their own.
The first is a very tall and broad built man, a man who is known throughout the world as the number 3, a pro hero very famous for his record of solving crimes, apprehending villains in mere seconds, and being overall very efficient, possibly the most efficient pro hero in the past decade.
Even his ancestors weren't as effective as he is.
Don't let his effectiveness fool you though, because currently in this day and age, The Lifeline Hero, Redvein has demonstrated themost amount of blood that he's able to produce from his body.
You thought his Hemomelt's boiling properties were unique? Well think again.
He is the man with the most recorded blood production ability since the last few generations of his lineage.
Not even Retsu has been able to get this perk of his, compensating for it with her efficiency instead.
Tetsuya's outfit is a black tailored tailcoat with long, pointed coattails. The lapels and inner lining are gold, with a textured finish that contrasts against the matte black fabric.
Under the coat is a black vest with gold buttons worn over a white shirt, paired with a gold tie. The fit is slim and structured, emphasizing straight lines through the shoulders and torso, but it still can't hide Tetsuya's formidable build, making his muscles slightly visible even through the fabric.
For aesthetics, he has a small decorative brooch on the chest, a gold belt buckle, and black gloves to complete the look.
[Image Here]
Next, is the person who is holding unto his right hand, circling his formidable right muscular biceps with both her hands halfway through.
She is the woman known to the public as a heart, –a title given to people who are most famous and formidable in the arts of genetic healings. Doctors basically.
Benihana Kie, the matriarch of the Benihana family, the family famous for their production of top level pro heroes who have all left a mark into the history of this country.
Kie is also known as The Heart of Hinode, the city she reside and operates in.
Originally from a family who births healers and support type quirk users, she has now married into the Benihanas with its current head being her husband.
Her medical knowledge concerning the human anatomy is almost second to none, with her quirk, cell-recall making her possibly the best healer in the country. Atleast until her daughter was born.
Kie's outfit is one that matches and compliments her husbands, being an outfit of a long black evening gown with a fitted silhouette that follows the body and extends to the floor.
It has a one-shoulder design, leaving one side bare while the other side is covered by a sheer black sleeve. Gold floral embroidery runs across the bodice and down the skirt, with additional gold chain details integrated into the design. A high slit on one side reveals the leg, and the hem is finished with sheer fabric that trails slightly behind.
[Image Here]
Lastly among the known 3, Is the prodigy of prodigies.
The girl who's from the same bloodline as the number 3, but that isn't what she is most famous for.
Benihana Retsu, the prodical daughter of the Benihana family, the girl who was able to become a doctor in only her early ages of 4.
She was very successful in her work too, managing to snag the title of the best in the field from her mother because of her quirk.
Her quirk, Sanguimancy gives her many different abilities, the prime three of which are her blood's boiling effects passed down from her father, her cell transformation ability, which is a mutated version of her mother's cell recalling quirk, and her family famous ability of being able to control their own life blood perfectly.
Her hematopoiesis may not be as strong as her father's, –where the pro hero can produce blood that can block up to a whole main street, being able to span the whole big street and even up to three to four story buildings,
Retsu's hematopoiesis on the other hand, only allows her to produce 1/4th of that amount, but she compensates by her efficiency instead.
It's like Gojo Satoru's case.
Satoru may have a lot of CE, but he doesn't have the same amount of, let's say Sukuna, so he compensates for it in his efficiency to use the energy instead, managing to even out match the cursed spirit in terms of energy expenditure.
Retsu and Tetsuya is the same. Tetsuya may produce and waste a lot of his blood, but Retsu will compensate for her lack of being able to produce a lot in using every drop of her blood very effectively.
This single boonthat didn't come with her geneticlottery, she will compensate with her mental capability and computing power that far outshines her blood line.
Anyways,
Benihana Retsu's clothing is completely different and also not too attention spanning like her parents', it being an outfit she chose in order to not be in the spotlight a lot in this gathering.
For her top, her outfit features a sleeveless red top made of lightweight fabric with a soft, slightly wrinkled texture. It has a high neckline with a thin choker-style collar attached, creating a connected look. The front is decorated with a vertical ruffle that runs down the center, ending in a loose tie that hangs over the waist. The fit is close to the body without being tight, and the sides are slightly open near the hem, giving it a casual but styled appearance
For her bottom, she pairs it with a high-waisted black jeans and a straight, slightly tapered leg. The fabric is matte and sturdy, balancing the softness of the red top. A simple black belt with a silver buckle ties the look together. The jeans sit just above the hips, leaving a small gap of skin visible between the waistband and the hem of the top.
Overall a casual-modern outfit with a touch of softness from the ruffles, grounded by the structured black denim, very perfect if she says so herself.
[Image Here]
The trio enter the hall of the event, and conversations pauseas eyes turn towards them.
Retsu may have wanted to not look too identical to her parents, but even still she gets into their spotlight.
Many begin talking, speaking about or complimenting their clothing. Some talking about their fit, and others about their deeds in the high society.
"The number 3... "His presence is not ignorable even if you try. " "what a formidable man..." "And Handsome too despite his bulky appearance~" "Shame he's taken though... " "Can't believe he's currently in his late 30's..."
"Wow! Look at her outfit! She's so elegant and pretty! " "I wonder where she was able to purchase such a set, you think me and you would look better in a matching outfit like that honey? " "I think it was personally tailored. " "No way! I saw a similar set a few days ago, it's slowly becoming a trend actually..."
As for Retsu, her outfit may not draw too much attention, her proportions not that visible for it to be that good looking on her, but she still draws attention to herself for different porpuses.
"The Heart of Japan..." "Wow it's my first time seeing her in person... " "Very tall for a 12 years old don't you think? Must be their family famous genetics that always produces exceptionally good looking figures." "I heard she won a national award for the best Kendo practitioner. " "Not just her healing is miraculous, but her personal strength and abilities are formidable too! " "I heard many even from overseas came to kidnap her for her healing abilities, but she defeated every one of them. " "That's only a myth, No way she would be able to defeat professionals all on her own. Probably her many bodyguards who took care of them. " "But her personal strength would suggest otherwise... "
Many are talking, and many are dying to interact with them, hoping to make connections with them in any way possible. Some as friends, some fellow business partners, some even in more intimate ways while eying the young Benihana and their own Sons...
"Remember what we talked about in the car, dear, " Kie silently says to Retsu while walking forward. "Otherwise go have fun as much as you'd like. This is just a social gathering where the wealthy will flaunt their power around,
–and me and your father are no better. Tehe~" She secretly rolls her tongue a little out and closes one eye, making Retsu give her a deadpan look, 'A face similar to mine, making that expression. No it doesn't fit no matter which way i look at it. '
Meanwhile with Tetsuya,
'SO CUUUUUTE! '
His facial expression doesn't change, while inside he is dying, 'IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR MY WIFE TO BE THIS CUTE AT THIS AGE!
AND HOW HAVEN'T I BUILT A TOLERANCE TO IT YET?!?'
"Sigh, very well. Don't knock yourselves too much. " Retsu entails, before she seperates from the duo, 'honestly, it felt more like i was the one telling them to mind their manners, –like a mother telling her children to behave in a party, and not the other way around.
Regardless though, ' a smirk slowly dons her doll-like facial expression, 'Let's see what the source of this Negative Intent is all about. '
While her parents seperate and join other circles, begining to talk with other buisness holders or doctors of different fields who are famous within this super hero society, Retsu is moving away to take care of the reason she came here for.
'First though, a little detour. ' She turns and heads towards the table stands on the side, which are full of many delicious treats that one may fancy.
She goes and takes a plate from the stands, before proceeding to build herself a skyscraper.
What? Her appetite is ginormous because of her quirk, don't judge her!
After Retsu has made her skyscraper, she turns and begins heading towards her first target, but first...
"Oh, a big appetite I see. Is it because of your quirk also? " Retsu hears a young voice, and she turns around to see a shorter girl with a similar plate full of desserts in her hands.
She has Onyx black eyes, Straight Black hair that's tied behind her in a ponytail with a bang falling forward and framing her face.
Her outfit consist of a red, one piece sleeveless style dress that falls all the way down her knees. Holding the dress is two attached strings that go over her shoulders, with her legs inside an elegant but round pointed pair of shoes the color of light red and black.
Her height isn't nowhere near her canon self either, only maybe around 159 cm (5'3 ft), with no proportions to show, –probably having not hit puberty yet.
She is smiling, though Retsu is able to tell she is barely holding unto it as she tries to make conversation with her.
The powerful old soul is able to deduce the intentions and motives behind this seemingly curious interaction frommiles away.
Retsu breaks her vision from the girl before her, and her gaze falls around the watching crows, easily able to spot many who are looking their way.
Among them, she's able to spot a man in a suit and a woman in a dress, both primarily dark red and black colored. They have similar facial features to the girl who she's interacting with right now.
'Her parents huh. Hoping to establish a connection with the girl known with the biggest potential in this whole generation by making their child become my friend.
They're not the only ones either, there are many more who are vying to win me over, some of them maybe even those who sent people after me in the past. Talk about being famous huh.
These people are all wearing a mask. This isn't a party, it's a Masquerade with no physical masks involved.
Every drop of life here is wearing a facade except my family,
I'm wearing one too. '
After her analysis, she turns back around to greet and talk with the girl who's the same age as herself, but only shorter than her 1.72 height, much shorter.
Retsu nods, "hm, it's because of my quirk. I burn through and generate a lot of my lifeblood, so my body demands high calories in order to empower my bone marrows that produces blood for me. " She informs, suddenly getting Yaoyorozu Momo to perk up.
"Oh! Me too! My quirk lets me make none living things, but it demands high calories in return too. It takes lipids in order to create things after a-" As Momo is talking, her eyes closed and her right pointy finger up in a lecturing gesture, she suddenly widens her eyes and puts a hand on her mouth, "oh! Sorry! I shouldn't be explaining things so Indeptly because you wouldn't understand much of it... "
Hearing this, Retsu tilts her head, but then comes to an answer very quickly, making her slightly amused, 'heh, did she forget I'm a doctor? For someone so intelligent for her age, she sure is also very dense and sometimes ill informed. ' Retsu thinks, while outwardly continuing,
"No worries, I fully understand what lipids and such are. No need to hold back with me, speak Indeptly as much as your heart desires,
By the way, My name is Benihana Retsu, I don't believe we've ever met before. " Retsu informs, making her talk buddy flinch in realization.
"A-ah! I'm sorry where are my manners! My name is Yaoyorozu Momo, it is nice to meet you. I've heard so muchabout your abilities through the media. If you don't mind, can you explain how you're able to cure fatal deseases such as Cancer and such? " She asks, the plate in her hands completely forgotten by now.
Retsu smirks, 'ah, it's so refreshing to find someone who's your physical age but also someone who can somewhat follow up on your mindset. '
"Very well, I don't see why not. Yaoyorozu Momo, I quite like you to be honest. You may not know this, but it is hard to find people who can keep up with my mindset.
Adultsare different because of their age. To me, you might just be the perfect friend i could ask for. " The implications of what Retsu said may not have fully been comprehended by the shorter girl, but one thing became certain in that moment.
Benihana Retsu/Yaoyorozu Momo have found a somewhat kindred spirit in eachother.
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Author's note/ the party has started and right off the bat, Retsu is introduced to a future big player.
As for the negative intent that Retsu felt at the beginning, we'll just have to wait and find out in the next chapter.
Thanks for reading my stories guys, have a great day/night and buh bye!