DISCLAIMER: This Story takes place AFTER the events of Dispatch meaning I have more creative freedom with writing this story's plot and this also means that original characters will appear so if you don't like that beware.
------------------------------
It was a time for celebration. Shroud was defeated and the Red Ring collapsed. It was one hell of a time for LA as one of their greatest villains had been defeated by the Z Team. The Z Team themselves celebrated their victory; it was their first major one as heroes and it proved that even villains could become Heroes with right guidance and influence. Robert would balance his life as Mecha Man and an SDN Dispatcher. Royd helps him with Mecha Man stuff and he's happy to do so. Though one thing that worried everyone was Chase. He kept the amulet that Blonde Blazer used for her powers for some time before they figured out how to help him without needing the amulet. With Chase back to his normal self, the Z team relaxed and Blazer went back to hero work. But even with Shroud and the Red Ring defeated, villains and criminals still exist unfortunately so the Z Team got back to work as heroes. With the damage repaired, SDN carried on with their usual duties while Blazer got curious. In her office, she was looking through various files they had on criminals who they thought would be eligible for the Phoenix Program and most of them were generic in her opinion.
But then she stumbled upon one file that caught her attention. One that already had an alias. Blade Master. Filled with curiosity she opened the file and saw the photo of this Blade Master character. He looked like he was void of all emotion, his eyes looked soulless and it made her curious. All people have a story, so she was wondering why he looked the way he did. So emotionless like he had nothing and didn't care. You aren't born that way, you're forged that way. As she looks at the file, she notices that he has proficiency in swords and hand to hand combat while also having Superpowers. He could manipulate Four elements. Fire, Earth, Water and Air. But not all at once. He was an Assassin, having killed a lot of people for an organization called Blood Moon before he was eventually captured. But what was interesting is that the file listed that he didn't go down fighting. He surrendered without resistance. Out of all the other files she saw, this one seemed to have potential in wanting to change. Villains don't just surrender without resistance without reason. Especially one of this caliber. So, she considered adding him to the Phoenix Program. She then spots his real name.
"Kenshiro Arashi." Blazer mumbled to herself. "What is your story?"
A knock is heard from her door, and it immediately attracted her attention.
"Come in." Blazer said.
The door opens and Chase enters the room before closing it.
"Chase, how's the Z Team?" Blazer asked.
"The usual." Chase said. "Surprisingly those former fuck ups are putting in over time. Seems like beating Shroud hyped them up."
"I'm not surprised." Blazer comments. "Beating someone like Shroud is definitely an achievement."
Chase notices the files on her desk and the one she was looking at.
"Looking for new Phoenix program candidates?" Chase asked.
"I figured it was time to give more people a second chance." Blazer said.
"Looks like you found one." Chase comments. "Who is it?"
"He's called Blade Master." Blazer answers. "Place of Birth and nationality are unknown, but he worked as an assassin for an organization called Blood Moon."
Chase gained a look as he went deep into thought. Blood Moon. Where had he heard that name before? It sounded familiar but he doesn't recall. He guessed it was some time since he heard the name. must be some kind of villain organization like the Red Ring.
"You sure he's worth it?" Chase asked.
"Won't hurt to try." Blazer said.
"Where is he held up?" Chase asked.
"At a prison not far from here." Blazer said. "If nothing comes up, I can hurry over there and speak to this candidate."
"I'd say keep your expectations low, but seeing what happened with the Z Team…. Good luck." Chase said.
Blazer only nods before Chase turns and leaves her office, shutting the door behind him.
[Prison, Somewhere]
When Blazer arrived at the prison, she was greeted by the prison warden who brought her inside the facility. She had notified the prison she was coming to speak to one of the prisoners for the Phoenix Program and the warden made his opinions very clear as they walked towards the meeting room.
"This guy isn't your typical villain, Blazer." The Warden said. "He's killed hundreds across the globe and destroyed countless structures."
"Yet he surrendered without resistance." Blazer said. "While you might not think so, but I believe that's a sign he's heading in the right direction. All he needs is proper guidance and influence."
"Doesn't change that fact that this guy is lethal." The Warden argued. "I don't even think it's a good idea to let him loose."
"Precautions will be taken to prevent harm to innocent people." Blazer assures. "I have everything under control and besides, he won't be alone."
"Right…. The others in the Phoenix Program." The Warden said. "I still don't trust former villains. Villains are villains."
"They are human too and humans are capable of change." Blazer said calmly.
The Warden went to argue back but dropped it as he didn't see the point. They reach the room and stop in front of the door.
"I have countless guards on standby incase this guy goes ape shit." The Warden said. "He also has power dampeners on him to limit his powers. Other then that, he's all yours."
Blazer nods before she opens the door and enters. Inside the room is Kenshiro who has his hands cuffed and a metal collar around his neck. He also wore standard prison attire as ee simply stared forward almost as if he was zoned out. But his eyes shift and lock onto Blazer. As she approaches the table, she can tell his gaze is trained. He's gauging her through sight alone almost like he was weighing his options before attacking. She sits down in the chair across the table from Kenshiro and places her clasped hands on the table.
"What does a hero of your caliber want?" Kenshiro asked, his voice sounding dull and void.
"I have a proposition for you, Kenshiro." Blazer said.
Immediately she sensed the vibe change as Kenshiro narrowed his eyes and they seemingly started glowing. The collar around his neck activated at the same time.
"Don't. Use. My. Name." Kenshiro said in a threatening manner.
She didn't know this would happen, but she keeps a mental note about it.
"Alright then, Blade Master." Blazer said in a calming manner trying to calm Kenshiro down. "I have a proposition for you."
"What kind?" Kenshiro asked as he calmed down.
"The Phoenix program takes Villains and reforms them by transforming them into heroes and you are one of the candidates for this program." Blazer said.
Kenshiro didn't react nor did he flinch. It was almost like she didn't even say anything.
"And you seriously think I'll accept?" Kenshiro asked.
"You can put your powers to better use helping others." Blazer said with a kind smile.
"Spare your breath." Kenshiro said, a little rude Blazer might add. "The only thing I'm good for is killing. So unless you want someone dead, don't bother."
Blazer frowns hearing this but wasn't about to give up. Though now that she thinks about it, it will be a lot of work to get Kenshiro on the right path.
"Why did you surrender?" Blazer asked. "You could've remained free with someone of your caliber."
Kenshiro didn't answer for a short while before he closed his eyes and exhaled through his nose. He then opened his eyes and looked right into Blazer's eyes.
"I surrendered because I hate Blood Moon." Kenshiro said. "I wanted to get away from them."
"By becoming a hero you could get even further away from them." Blazer said. "Knowing villains, they will eventually find you and maybe they will force you back into their ranks. But through the Phoenix program you can truly distance yourself from them. You'll be able to become your own person. More than just a killer."
Kenshiro looked at her with a stoic gaze. But Blazer could tell he was debating if he should accept or not.
"If you accept, you'll be set free." Blazer said.
"What's the catch?" Kenshiro asked.
"What do you mean?" Blazer asked.
"I'm not dumb, Blonde Blazer." Kenshiro said with a threatening look in his eyes. "Offers like this don't come without strings attached."
The others in the Program never really questioned this much. Sure, they had questions but never like this. Kenshiro truly was smarter than most. It's a good sign in her opinion. She then smiles.
"Your smarter than most." Blazer said softly. "The only catch is that you will be monitored during your time in the program, and any screw ups or deviations from the course we have in mind for you. You come right back to prison."
After she said this, she hoped that Kenshiro would accept the offer. After an intense few moments of silence, Kenshiro finally speaks.
"Alright, Blonde Blazer. I'll… humor you." Kenshiro said.
She then smiles, glad that she convinced him.
"Glad to hear." Blazer said before she turned her head to the door. "Warden, I know you're listening."
The door opens and the warden enters the room and leaves it open.
"Can't believe you actually convinced him." The Warden said.
"All I need is for you to transfer him to my custody." Blazer said as she stood up from her seat.
The Warden hesitated but sighed.
"Hope you know what you're doing." The Warden said.
The Warden walks over to Kenshiro and grabs a pair of keys. He then removes the hand cuffs before he deactivates the metal collar around the man's neck. As he removes the collar and drops it onto the table, Kenshiro stands up before he walks past the Warden and towards Blazer.
"Before we go, I believe it's best we get you out of those prison clothes." Blazer said.
Kenshiro just nods before they make their way towards the door.
"Those dampeners are cheap tech by the way." Kenshiro said, without looking at the warden.
The Warden's eyes widened as his skin pales. This whole time, Kenshiro could've used his powers. As they leave the room, the Warden realizes how lucky he and everyone else were.
[SDN Headquarters]
At SDN Headquarters, Chase was waiting for Blonde Blazer at the door to her office with someone else. Robert Robertson the third. Blazer had called them both to meet her at her office when she got back. As the two waited, Robert was thinking about the Z Team. Invisigal, once she got back from the hospital, was back in action and the two of them enjoyed a good relationship. The others in the Z Team have been overperforming ever since they defeated Shroud. Chase then spots Blazer approaching with Kenshiro who was wearing a new outfit. He wore a black t-shirt with a black hakama covering his legs while he wore black shoes and had a grey piece of cloth wrapped around his waist. His two swords were safely in their sheathes attached to his left hip.
"Welcome back, is this that new Phoenix Program candidate you talked about?" Robert asked.
"He is." Blazer said. "Blade Master, this is Chase and Robert. You'll be working with them during your time here at SDN."
"Yay." Kenshiro said, void of emotion and joy.
"Not much for excitement, are you?" Robert asked.
"I lost the ability to feel emotions years ago." Kenshiro answered bluntly.
"Oh…" Robert said, not sure how to respond. "Okay."
"When do you plan to introduce him to the Z Team?" Chase asked.
"As soon as possible." Blazer said. "So, Robert, I need you to gather the team."
"Will do." Robert said before he walked off to do just that.
"And let me tell them what it's about." Blazer said to him as he walked away.
"Will do!" Robert replied.
Kenshiro had watched him walk away before turning his head back to Blazer and Chase.
"Welcome to SDN." Blazer said.