As the chaotic scene unfolded at the Sakaisuji-Hommachi train station, a sense of urgency permeated the air, mingling with the acrid smell of smoke and the metallic tang of blood.
Passersby whispered nervously to each other, their faces drawn with worry as they cast anxious glances at the sealed-off entrance.
Through the multitude of onlookers, a group of figures emerged, their purpose evident in the determined set of their jaws and the steady determination in their steps. At the forefront strode Saitama, his brow furrowed with concern, his eyes sharp as they surveyed the scene before him. Behind him trailed Sato and Satomi, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Saitama approached the local police officers guarding the perimeter, his S.D.A. badge gleaming in the harsh fluorescent light. With a curt nod, he flashed the badge, a silent command that brooked no opposition. The officers, recognizing the authority it represented, stepped aside, allowing the trio to pass through the barrier and into the heart of the disturbance.
Once inside, Saitama's eyes scanned the area for survivors. Sato, eager for action, couldn't contain his boredom.
"I hope we can get into some action," Sato remarked.
Saitama shot him a stern look. "The last thing we want is 'action.' Stay focused."
Sato pouted, "C'mon, senpai, where's your fun side?"
Saitama glanced at Sato with a blank expression. "My fun side? It's buried deep beneath layers of responsibility and duty, Sato. But trust me, it's in there somewhere."
"More like dead," Sato muttered under his breath.
Ignoring Sato's protests, they pressed on. They ventured deeper into the once bustling train station, where the devastation became more apparent. The platform was littered with the remnants of a fierce battle. The ground was slick with gore and twisted metal strewn about like dreadful confetti. Saitama's lip curled in disgust at the sight while Sato fought back the bitterness rising in his throat.
"What a bloodbath," Saitama muttered under his breath, the words heavy with solemnity.
"And the smell," Sato added, wrinkling his nose in distaste.
Saitama lit a cigarette to mask the odor, the ember casting an eerie glow in the dimly lit space.
"Search around, see if you can find anything of interest," He instructed, his gaze sweeping the surroundings for any signs of supernatural activity.
Satomi, her eyes attuned to the subtle vibrations of the spiritual realm, detected a palpable aura of malevolence emanating from a nearby alcove.
"Did you find something, Satomi?" Saitama inquired, his tone laced with anticipation.
Satomi nodded, her expression grave. "This area is overflowing with curse energy. Whatever caused this disturbance may still be lurking nearby."
As they cautiously approached the source of the disturbance, Satomi's keen eyes caught sight of a figure lying amidst the wreckage-a lone survivor amidst the chaos.
"A cursed vessel?" Saitama murmured, his eyes graved with a heavy voice.
Satomi knelt beside the figure, her heart sinking as she sensed the darkness that enveloped him like a shroud.
"Careful, Satomi," Saitama cautioned, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon.
Satomi nodded, her movements deliberate as she reached out to check for signs of life.
"He's still-"
She began, but before she could utter a word, Sato sprang into action, positioning himself protectively between Satomi and the figure before them.
As Sai's eyes fluttered open, the team watched in stunned silence as he roused from his unconscious state, a primal urge to kill flickering behind his gaze.
His mind seemed consumed by a dark and twisted desire, and his focus zeroed in on Sato with menacing intensity.
"I got this,"
Sato arrogantly accepted the challenge, facing Sai's otherworldly strength as he lunged forward, fueled by a dark, shadowy mist enveloping his body.
Sato swiftly redirected Sai's attacks with lightning-fast reflexes, his movements precise and calculated. He taunted Sai with a confident smirk.
"C'mon, give me a challenge."
In an intense exchange, Sai retaliated with a powerful strike, only to be swiftly countered by Sato, who effortlessly turned his own force against him.
Sato swiftly countered, sending Sai crashing into the wall with a resonant thud.
"Is this all you got?"
Sato taunted Sai, displaying unyielding confidence in the midst of Sai's fierce aggression.
Satomi, watching from the sidelines, clarified the situation.
"I couldn't see it before, but his aura is definitely emitting large amounts of cursed energy. The darkness is actively taking control of his body on autopilot."
Despite Sai's speed and durability, he found himself outmatched by Sato's superior power and skill. Sato's technique seemed to grow stronger with each exchange, and his strikes landed with precision.
"We need to finish this quickly," Saitama relayed, his voice tense with urgency.
Sato sensed an opportunity and took decisive action to end the conflict once and for all. With a powerful and final strike, he incapacitated Sai, leaving him powerless against Sato Ashita's might.
With the threat neutralized, Sato and his team wasted no time in securing Sai's unconscious form, binding him with restraints to prevent any further outbursts. Before leaving, Saitama made sure there were no lingering traces of darkness. He placed a paper sigil on the ground and carefully drew a circle of chalk around it.
With a grave expression, he spoke the words, "Cleanse."
Instantly, the paper shimmered away in a wave of light that spread throughout the station, purifying everything in its path. As the bodies of the fallen shimmered away like glowing particles,
Saitama added softly, "May your souls rest."
As the light dimmed, the station appeared pristine, with no signs of violent confrontation except for the train wreckage. Having accomplished their mission, Saitama and his team departed, leaving behind an air of mysterious peace amidst the aftermath of turmoil.
As Saitama's team emerged from the station, they were immediately swarmed by a group of enthusiastic news reporters, all clamoring for the latest information.
"Sir, is there any information we can get at this time?" One of the reporters inquired, thrusting a microphone in Saitama's direction.
Saitama, maintaining his composure, took charge and engaged with the reporters, skillfully providing them with a concise and controlled update.
"This incident was caused by a train derailment,"
Meanwhile, Sato and Satomi, displaying their well-practiced coordination, swiftly and discreetly attended to the task of securing Sai, who was currently unconscious. With precise movements, they carefully transferred Sai's sluggish form into the waiting black sedan, all while ensuring that the operation remained unnoticed amidst the chaos of the media frenzy.
Saitama paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. He continued,
"Thankfully, there were no major casualties, and the train caused only minor damage. The line should be up and running again soon. Thank you."
With that, Saitama nodded politely to the reporters before turning to join his team. They quickly entered the waiting black sedan, eager to debrief and regroup after the intense encounter at the train station.