The next few weeks passed in a blur. The success of his work on Steel Fist's suit gave Katsuo a sense of purpose that he had never quite felt before. He was no longer just a child playing with gadgets—he was a creator, someone whose work could have a direct impact on the world around him. It was an exciting thought, but also a daunting one.
Katsuo's reputation had begun to grow quietly within certain circles, and with it came new challenges. Heroes and businessmen alike had started to take notice of the young prodigy in the neighborhood, and he quickly realized that his inventions could either be a force for good—or attract the wrong kind of attention.
One evening, as he sat at his desk sketching out a new design for a more advanced version of his reconnaissance drones, the familiar sound of his doorbell rang through the house. His mother was busy in the kitchen, so it was up to him to answer.
When Katsuo opened the door, he was met with the unexpected sight of a man wearing a dark trench coat and a wide-brimmed hat. The stranger looked out of place in the peaceful neighborhood, his expression hidden in the shadows cast by the brim of his hat.
"Are you Katsuo Yamada?" the man asked, his voice low and careful.
"Yes," Katsuo replied cautiously. "Who are you?"
The man stepped forward, his presence imposing despite his calm demeanor. He didn't seem like a typical hero or businessman. There was something about him that felt dangerous, as if he didn't belong in this world of invention and ambition.
"I've heard a lot about your talents," the stranger said, his eyes narrowing. "People say you're quite gifted. I think you could be of use to me."
Katsuo's heart skipped a beat. He instinctively reached out toward his workbench, his fingers brushing the small gadget he'd been tinkering with—a hand-held device designed to detect and intercept signals. It was still in the prototype phase, but his instincts told him he might need it.
The stranger didn't seem to notice Katsuo's subtle movement. Instead, he continued. "I know you've been working on some... advanced technology. Something that could make even the most powerful heroes look like amateurs. I'm interested in what you can create for me."
Katsuo's mind raced. This was no ordinary visit. He had seen enough villains on the news, enough reports about underworld figures who sought power through any means necessary. This man's interest in his inventions was no accident. He was likely part of the criminal underground—someone who would exploit his work for selfish purposes.
"No." Katsuo's voice was firm. He took a step back and closed the door halfway. "I don't work with people like you."
The stranger's smile was chilling. "You don't understand, kid. You don't have a choice. Your creations are too valuable to let slip through my fingers. And if you think a simple 'no' will make me go away, you're wrong."
Before Katsuo could react, the man's hand shot out, grabbing him by the wrist. His grip was tight and unyielding, sending a shiver of fear down Katsuo's spine. This wasn't a hero or a simple businessman. This was someone with dangerous intentions.
Katsuo's mind spun, calculating his options. His quirk wasn't one of combat, but his AI chip gave him an incredible advantage when it came to quick thinking and resourcefulness. He had always relied on his intellect, and now was no different.
Without warning, Katsuo triggered the small device on his workbench. The sound of a low hum filled the air as a small EMP blast shot from the gadget, momentarily disorienting the man holding his wrist. His grip loosened just enough for Katsuo to break free, and he shoved the door shut with force.
The stranger stumbled back, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You've made a mistake, kid. You don't know who you're dealing with."
Katsuo's pulse raced, but he remained calm. He had just barely escaped a much worse situation, but he knew it wasn't over. The man outside the door was likely only one part of a larger network—a network that wanted to control the technology he was developing.
"Don't ever come back," Katsuo said, his voice cold. "If you want my inventions, you'll have to take them by force. But I won't let that happen."
The man's lips curled into a sneer, but before he could say anything else, he turned and disappeared into the night.
Katsuo stood frozen in place for a long moment, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins. He had known, deep down, that his inventions would attract attention—but this? This was more than just curiosity. This was a warning.
For the next few days, Katsuo couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He'd been careful in keeping his work private, but he realized that wasn't enough. The man had known about his inventions, and that meant someone, somewhere, was watching him. He wasn't just a child with a talent for creating things—he was a target.
Katsuo kept his work confined to his room, locking the door and ensuring that his creations remained hidden. But the pressure was building. If villains were already aware of his work, then there was no telling who else might come after him.
His mother, noticing his unease, asked him one evening, "Katsuo, is something going on? You've been so tense lately. You haven't been sleeping."
Katsuo sighed, unsure how to explain the situation to her. She didn't know about the AI chip in his brain, nor did she understand the full extent of his abilities. He didn't want to worry her, but at the same time, he knew he couldn't keep this secret forever.
"I'm fine," he said, forcing a smile. "Just working on some new designs. Nothing to worry about."
Aiko didn't seem entirely convinced, but she didn't press further. "Alright, but you know you can tell me anything, right?"
Katsuo nodded, but inside, his thoughts were far from calm. He had no intention of backing down from his work, but he needed to be more careful. His inventions had the potential to change the world, but in the wrong hands, they could become a devastating weapon.
That night, as he lay in bed, Katsuo's thoughts turned to I-Island—the project he had begun conceptualizing in his mind. A floating sanctuary where the brightest minds could come together, unencumbered by the politics of the world below. A place where he could protect his creations and focus on his work without fear of being exploited.
But even as he envisioned this dream, Katsuo knew that bringing it to life would not be easy. The people who would come after him were not just criminals. There were far more dangerous forces at play in the world—forces that wanted control over technology and power. And All For One, the villain whose name struck fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned heroes, was likely already aware of him.
In that moment, Katsuo made a silent vow to himself. He would not let his inventions fall into the wrong hands. He would do whatever it took to ensure that his creations would be used for the greater good—and that he would remain the one in control of their destiny.
The following days were a blur of new plans, new security measures, and the quiet realization that his life had just become far more complicated. But the more Katsuo thought about it, the more certain he became: he wasn't going to stop. His path had already been set, and he would need to forge ahead, no matter the cost.
And in the back of his mind, one thing kept repeating itself: I-Island would have to become a reality. It wasn't just a dream anymore. It was his only chance to ensure that his work—and the future—would remain safe.