(The train stopped at Tokyo as people started coming out. Takashi was the last to come out and he saw Uda standing in front of him. Takashi looked at him confused)
TAKASHI: Huh!
UDA: (knock his head and yelled in a comical defeat face) Huh! Is that how you greet someone you haven't seen for the past two years.
TAKASHI: Ouch! (As he touches his head which was swollen like big round ball while making a comical defeat face) Geez sorry, I didn't know it was you seeing you got beards now.
UDA: Hmm so I did change.
TAKASHI: Yeah. Have anyone told you that.
UDA: No. But I'm I so glad to see you. (As he hugged him tightly while lifting him up)
TAKASHI: Hey, you are squeezing me.
UDA: Sorry (while he released him)
TAKASHI: I didn't come here for some family reunion. You know why I am here, right?
UDA: Oh right.
(Later, they were seen in Uda's car as he was the one driving while Takashi, who was at the front seat operating his phone)
TAKASHI: So anything?
UDA: Not much.
TAKASHI: What do you mean "not much"?
UDA: Most informations are unknown about XO. What I found out is only his profiles concerning his dob, gender, school and... his name.
(This made Takashi to be surprised after Uda said "his name")
TAKASHI: So what other informations are unknown?
UDA: Where he lives. (Takashi was surprised as Uda continues) I couldn't figure out where he stays but it's obvious that he stays in Tokyo.
TAKASHI: I see.
UDA: Tell me what are you going to do?
TAKASHI: To find out more about him and who is actually behind XO is by attending his school.
UDA: How do you know he's still a student. Dive into some clues
TAKASHI: Alright. In Tokyo, the average work hours are between 10am to 6pm that is they work for 9 hours. And as for XO, he only does his job by 5pm till the evening or sometimes mostly at midnight. That means he goes to school by 8am and comes back by 4pm. But when it comes to full time, it's during the weekends he does it.
UDA: Hmm. (While he was on point in understanding what Takashi said)
TAKASHI: But that's not all. XO is on all social media platforms and when I view his posts. He posted a research article mostly on advanced physics, that is also how you will think he's a science students. Students post about things like homework, tests, or extracurricular activities and that's what he does. (As he opened Uda's laptop)
UDA: I see. How would you be able to know his true identity. Although, his name is-
TAKASHI: Kaaru Kagawa.
UDA: Huh! How do you know the password to my laptop?
TAKASHI: It wasn't that hard. I can also hacked other computers while using your laptop.
UDA: What! Really?
TAKASHI: Yeah. I learnt that when I was nine.
UDA: (Thought) What a smart young fella.
TAKASHI: Anyway, all I have to do since his real face haven't been confirmed is one, pay close attention to his behavior whether he acts secretive or evasive or if he seem to disappear at odd times or come back with unusual injuries. Two, observe his relationships, if he has any unusual connections or interactions with other people. And three lastly, try to connect the dots, if he has any access to unusual technology or resources. Do he have any unexplained wealth or power?
UDA: I'm not sure if a student will have that number three.
TAKASHI: Well some. Yeah I know. I have to make this quick, so that I can find Kaaru on time. But one thing that will ache me during this week.
UDA: And what's that?
TAKASHI: (Sighed) I hate school. (He said in a bored accent)
(At Tomoyuki High School - Kaaru's school)
(Yuuto was seen seated outside drinking a can of soda as he looked at everyone)
EITO: Standing outside drinking soda or just here for some fresh air?
YUUTO: Just here for some relaxation. We are on break and tell me what are you doing here?
EITO: We need to talk.
YUUTO: I'm tired of your nonsense talk. You stopped me from associating with Dyna and what else do you want? Stop using my powers.
EITO: (didn't say anything but just looked a him)
YUUTO: Anyway, I was just about to leave now. (Throws the can into the bin as he pass by Eito)
EITO: Ever thought of surpassing Kaaru?
YUUTO: (And this made him stopped his move as he paused)
EITO: I can't say. He's getting stronger these days. But one secret about him, he doesn't know the secret of his true powers while you, you act like you're bigger than everyone. That's the only differences about you two potentials.
YUUTO: So what are you trying to say, I should be strong?
EITO: Yes and try not wasting your effort.
YUUTO: Kaaru can never be above me. I'm surpassing master Shin instead. I heard that he defeated two diverse manipulators. And it's still pissing me off that diverse manipulators actually do exist.
EITO: How were you able to find out the news?
YUUTO: Because... I was there.
EITO: (Surprised)
YUUTO: For the first time, I saw Shin unleashing his Chikara, the Sol manipulation. It's very powerful and can destroy a whole city with just a finger. I wasn't surprise because I know that they will be a lot of people who will have that element in this city.
EITO: Yeah. Since diverse manipulation exist, a lot of people can have the same powers.
YUUTO: I don't want to stay too long. I have somewhere to go. Anyway, you shouldn't be telling me what to do. People like you are supposed to be talking to someone else, who is having a hard times. I shouldn't be wasting my time listening to your speech. (After that, he leaves the scene and Eito stared at him while Yuuto continues his move)
(Unknowingly, Takashi, who was seated close to them pretending he was reading gave the eye after listening to the two conversation)
TAKASHI: (Thought) Hmm I believe those two are likely to be Kaaru's friends. Mentioning his name and mentioning manipulators in their conversation are seen to be very obvious. So that means those two are infact manipulators as well.
SPIRIT: Hey Takashi. What are you doing?
TAKASHI: Not now. I'm very busy right now.
SPIRIT: I don't see anything busy.
TAKASHI: (Sees Eito already leaving and he had thought) Now this is my chance. I just need to follow him as he will lead me to where Kaaru is. This mission is running smoothly. (Then he looked round and sees people staring at him while some gossiping about him) I hate to see their faces. Is it because they see me as a new student or I'm already on my uniform? I shouldn't be minding them and not to let my mission fail.
(Takashi continues to follow Eito as spirit speaks to him)
SPIRIT: Hey Takashi, are you still busy right now?
TAKASHI: Shh! Not now.
SPIRIT: You know as I'm talking to you right now, no one can't hear me.
TAKASHI: But they can hear me. Why is it that it's now you're talking to me after all these years.
SPIRIT: Because I know where Kaaru is.
TAKASHI: (surprised) Really?
SPIRIT: Yes. That boy you are following is not going to meet Kaaru.
TAKASHI: So where is he going? (After saying that, he saw that he was heading to the bathroom) Oh crap, guess you're right. Tell me where he is now?
(Meanwhile, at the school basketball court)
CHEN: Hey Kaaru, you wanna play basketball with me?
KAARU: Er... Yeah. Sure. (As the two were heading to the basketball court which was inside the school)
TAKASHI: Guess we found him. Alright, let's go.
(Kaaru and Chen played and played until the two became tired as they rested a little on the ground)
CHEN: Man so tired. You're really good at basketball. No wonder our former school won the international students cup because of you.
KAARU: Yeah. Thanks.
CHEN: Can we get back to class.
KAARU: Sure. I'll meet you there.
(The two stood up and Chen left while Kaaru was preparing to go as he put his stuffs into the bag until...)
TAKASHI: Excuse me.
KAARU: Huh? (While he rose up his head and stared at him for a while)
TAKASHI: Do you know where we will be having our next class? (He pretended just to get close connection with him)
KAARU: Yeah. It's our chemistry teacher. Just down the corridor and you'll go by your left.
TAKASHI: I wouldn't know which door since they are lot of doors at the corridor and a new student might be lost if he finds the class.
KAARU: Don't worry, let me just show you the way. Didn't know you're a new student.
TAKASHI: It's okay. Shall we?
KAARU: Yeah.
(The two started walking and Takashi decided to have a thought)
TAKASHI: Now that I've spoken to him. I have to find a way to let him fall under my verbal influence.
KAARU: Alright. This is it. The class haven't started so just sit there and wait until he arrives.
TAKASHI: Thank you. So are you already going to your next class?
KAARU: This is my class.
TAKASHI: Oh so that means we are in the same class. (Had a thought) This is very Interesting.
KAARU: Yeah and I didn't know about that.
TAKASHI: Why don't we go in and have a sit. We can be getting along and I'll love to make new friends as well.
KAARU: Okay.
(They went in and sat on their seats. Takashi looked at him for a while, trying to observe his personality)
TAKASHI: (Thought) I may not know much about him and it's still surprising me that he's the one behind XO.
KAARU: What should we be talking about now?
TAKASHI: Let me just talk mine. I just moved to Tokyo this morning and...
KAARU: Wow. You just moved to Tokyo this morning and you already made a choice in choosing this school to attend already. Why is it like that?
TAKASHI: I just want to further my studies and rather choose in starting schooling right now as I move in than sitting down at home doing nothing just watching TV.
KAARU: Oh I see.
TAKASHI: (Thought) But that's a lie. I only wanted to investigate everything about you and prove to me if you're really behind XO.
KAARU: Guess you love school by the way.
TAKASHI: (Thought) No I don't. (Continues to say this to him) I only want to make good grades. You see many students that promise their parents that they will make good grades at the end will eventually fail due to lack of reading on time as a result of poor reading habit. (Had a thought) What I'm I saying, I hate reading and studying.
KAARU: Love what you mean by that. You have a good decision in coming to Tomoyuki high.
TAKASHI: Yes. Oh I haven't finished yet. I heard that Tokyo have a saviour. So tell me what is that he's name again?
KAARU: Oh you mean XO?
TAKASHI: Yes. Now I remember. How's he like?
KAARU: A guy who wears a mask that have the written letters of X and O. Pretty weird, huh?
TAKASHI: Yes and I believe it has a specific meaning in general. XO stands for extraordinary that is to say, Xtra-Ordinary. Meaning that superheroes that have powers or abilities that are just beyond ordinary.
KAARU: Wow, I'm really surprised that you know the meaning.
TAKASHI: Yes. The XO himself doesn't know that meaning at all.
KAARU: You're absolutely correct.
TAKASHI: (Thought) Absolutely correct, huh? Which means that he doesn't know and he's indeed behind XO. So tell me sir, what is his power like?
KAARU: Just call me by my name Kaaru.
TAKASHI: Sorry I didn't introduce myself either. My name is Takashi.
KAARU: Okay. To compare who's smarter between you and Eito is hard to choose.
TAKASHI: Eito? Is he your friend?
KAARU: Sure he is. I used to think that smart guys always wear glasses but Eito's condition is that he's shortsighted.
TAKASHI: (Thinks of the boy he followed and said) Oh. (Thought) So that was him. He seems to be smart while making sense talking to the other boy.
KAARU: Do you have interest in XO? You ask me earlier that "what are his powers like?"
TAKASHI: You know, people need to know more about this hero since he is new to me and to the city as well.
KAARU: Oh I can see that. He's really good and he has the manipulation of fire. I can't explain much about him since I haven't seen him physically.
TAKASHI: But does that make it that you're XO?
KAARU: I don't understand.
TAKASHI: You don't have to see him physically, I'm already seeing him already.
KAARU: (Thought) Damnit, does that mean he already knew me as XO for a while now. Er... Maybe you are mistaken I can never be XO.
TAKASHI: After school see me later. I don't want to explain much in public.
KAARU: Oh... Okay. (After that, Kaaru was already on his seat as he had a thought) Now what should I do in hiding my identity and showing him proof also? He might not be the first to know me as XO but the aok commander still knows me also.
(Flashback)
KIN: You must be Kaaru. Isn't it? Too bad, even though inside that mask you are wearing, I still know it's you.
(End of flashback)
KAARU: (Thought) I wonder how they got to find out. Did they gain access to any information about me? Or they already knew it's me because of the way I've been acting since lately. Maybe I should think of something and try to convince Takashi that I'm not XO. Or...?
(It was already evening - After school, Takashi was seen standing outside the school gate as Kaaru came with him)
KAARU: I'm here. Sorry I wasn't that early.
TAKASHI: It's okay, I've been waiting for you. (He sees that someone was with him and that was Eito) So you actually brought someone?
KAARU: Yeah. This is Eito I was talking about.
EITO: Hey. Nice to meet you.
TAKASHI: (Thought) What are you up to Kaaru Kagawa?
KAARU: Sorry you weren't expecting him. I only wanted him to help me proof that I'm not the XO you think.
TAKASHI: (Thought) So Kaaru can't stand up to defend him instead he brought someone to help him out. I see where this is heading to. But this Eito can't use his intelligent to defeat me not even a skillful deception.
EITO: (Thought) Who is this guy? Is he the one Kaaru was talking about?
(Flashback)
(After school was over, Eito was already heading home until he was stopped by someone)
KAARU: Eito.
EITO: Kaaru. Is anything wrong?
KAARU: Kinda. I only want to ask for your help.
EITO: A help?
KAARU: Yes. You see there's this guy at school that thinks I'm behind XO and I don't know how to proof myself in convincing him that I'm not.
EITO: Just tell him the truth and nothing will go wrong.
KAARU: What if he expose me to the internet or to the world? Or what if he expose me to the nationwide news on television. I don't know if he would do something bad after I tell him the truth. Imagine you have the same outcome as mine what would you have done?
EITO: So why me?
KAARU: Because I can't defend myself. I don't know what to say in front of him. I don't have proof or evidence to show. The guy is really smart and I may need your help in playing tricks with him whether he might fall for your lies.
EITO: Alright. I'll try and see what I can do.
KAARU: Thank you. Let's go meet him right away.
(End of flashback)
(Takashi was seated on a long chair outside while Kaaru and Eito remain standing)
TAKASHI: So you want to help your friend thinking he's not XO.
EITO: Yes and I can assure you that he's not XO.
TAKASHI: You're acting as his evidencer. If I may ask, what are your evidences?
EITO: Very well. Have you seen his powers? Perhaps if you believe that he's XO, consider if you have seen his powers.
TAKASHI: I may have not seen his powers but I'm very sure that what I know it's the truth.
EITO: I believe your name is Takashi, I understand your skepticism. But hear me out. Being a superhero isn't just about having powers. It's about using those powers to help people and fight for justice. We haven't seen any evidence of Kaaru doing that. He hasn't stopped any crimes or rescued anyone from danger.
TAKASHI: Okay, I'll concede that point. But just because he hasn't displayed any superheroic behavior yet doesn't mean he won't.
EITO: True, but that doesn't necessarily make him a superhero. Until we see some evidence of him actually using his powers for good, it's premature to label him as such.
TAKASHI: Hmm, that's a fair point. But what if Kaaru was really a superhero?
EITO: Oh, come on, Takashi. Even if he is a superhero, we don't know anything about his background or training. Superheroes usually have a tragic backstory that motivates them to protect others. Maybe Kaaru had a cushy upbringing and has never faced any real adversity. Without a compelling origin story, he's just a regular guy who can't do anything.
KAARU: (Thought) Is that what you think about me?
TAKASHI: (laughing) Alright, alright, you've got me there. But what if he just hasn't told us his origin story yet? Maybe he's keeping it a secret.
KAARU: (Thought while making a serious look on his face and staring at Takashi) I hope Eito can convince him until he believes me.
EITO: I'll grant you that possibility, but I'm still skeptical. If he truly were a superhero, wouldn't he have a more... heroic appearance? You know, a flashy costume or a distinctive symbol. All we saw was a guy in a plain black outfit. Not very superhero-like, if you ask me.
KAARU: Yeah. Do I have an appearance of a superhero?
TAKASHI: (Defensively) Hey, come on now. Batman wears all black too, and he's a total superhero!
EITO: Yes, but Batman has gadgets and a Batmobile and a cave full of cool toys! Kaaru just has... fists. Look, I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but let's not get ahead of ourselves and declare Kaaru a hero just yet.
TAKASHI: Okay, I see your point. But... what if he has a secret identity? Maybe by day he's just a normal guy, but at night he dons a costume and fights crime!
KAARU: (Thought) What's with this guy? He's definitely going somewhere.
EITO: Ooh, now you're really reaching! Look, I'm not saying it's impossible. But if we're going to call him a superhero, we need more than just fists and a black outfit. We need a backstory, a motivation, a mission. We need a story, not just a single fight.
TAKASHI: Yes I know.
EITO: I appreciate the enthusiasm, Takashi, but come on. You can't just proclaim someone a superhero without any evidence. We need to see some proof of superpowers or some kind of heroic deeds before you can start calling anyone you see a superhero.
TAKASHI: But what about all the times Kaaru has intervened in dangerous situations? I've seen him break up fights, chase down muggers, and even rescue a child from a burning building! Those are heroic acts, wouldn't you say?
EITO: He has a mask and you aren't able to see him if only he removes his XO mask.
TAKASHI: Okay, you got me there. A mask is a classic superhero trope. But still, the mask alone doesn't make him a hero. There are plenty of masked villains out there too!
EITO: (musing) True, true. But maybe that's just a clever ruse. A villain pretending to be a hero... now that's a twist! We might be on to something here.
Kaaru: Wait, Takashi, how do you know all those proofs you said earlier, when you just moved in to Tokyo?
TAKASHI: (clears his throat) Ahem... well, I did a bit of research before I moved to Tokyo. I wanted to get a sense of the city's vibe, its neighborhoods, the culture... and of course, any potential superhero activity. It was all in the name of being an informed and responsible citizen, of course.
KAARU: Oh I see.
EITO: Is that all for today, do you still believe that Kaaru is still XO?
TAKASHI: Oh no. Sorry about that. I must have mistaken you with someone else. Stupid me.
KAARU: (Thought) Did it actually work? Have Eito finally win against Takashi over it? Haha, it's fine. But I'm telling you, I'm no superhero. Now, how about we move on from this whole XO business and get a bowl of ramen, huh?
TAKASHI: (excitedly) Really? I'll love to eat! Right now, I'm really hungry! (This made Kaaru and Eito looked at him confused) I mean, sure I'll love to.
(At the ramen shop, Takashi, Kaaru and Eito are enjoying a hearty bowl of ramen. As they're eating, Takashi suddenly starts wolfing down his food like there's no tomorrow. Eito and Kaaru exchange looks of disbelief, wondering what's gotten into him. After a few minutes, Takashi dropped the bowl after eating six bowls of ramen and wipes his mouth)
TAKASHI: Such a delicious meal.
KAARU: (Thought) This guy is really a glutton. I and Eito just ate two bowls of ramen.
TAKASHI: Alright guys, I think we need to come up with a plan. If we ever encounter the person behind XO, we need to be prepared. I suggested a better way in telling you two on what to do. (He said as he looked at Kaaru) Are you ready to hear it?
KAARU: Yeah... Sure.
EITO: Wait, I think we should read on superhero lore and learn everything we can about their powers, weaknesses, and strategies. Isn't that a good idea, Takashi?
TAKASHI: No, That was not what I was thinking of at all. If I was the one that find the person behind XO. (Then he grins) I'm gonna kill him.
(Takashi's sudden statement left Kaaru and Eito stunned. Kaaru was especially taken aback and had trouble finding the words to respond. Takashi's statement was unexpected and didn't align with the positive values Eito shared)
To be continued