The seven figures stood in silence, gazing at Kaijin and his group with an unsettling intensity. One of them, tall and menacing, stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension.
"That's the boy," he said, pointing directly at Kaijin. "He's the right one."
Kaijin blinked, confused, his mind racing. The right what? Before he could ask, Vox stepped forward, his robotic eye scanning Kaijin.
"Come with us, and we'll let your friends live. I'll even return the core I took."
Kaijin's heart skipped. Could it be? He stared at Vox, trying to read his expression. His calm demeanor didn't waver.
"What core? As far as I'm concerned, you've taken more than one."
Vox tilted his head slightly. "The water girl's core, from a few months ago."
Kaijin's hand twitched, a subtle sign to Dabi and Tsushi. His eyes locked on Vox's, but his mind was already on the move. He couldn't let his guard down—not now.
