The dawn's first light crept into Katsuo's room, the soft hues of gold and orange contrasting with the sleek, modern decor. The small apartment was quiet, the hum of his machines the only sound. Katsuo had grown accustomed to these early mornings, where his mind was freshest and the world around him still slept. He had been working tirelessly on his project for months, but now, it was time to take the next step.
Katsuo stood at his desk, overlooking the digital blueprint of I-Island. The idea had come to him in a moment of clarity, but now it was becoming something real—something tangible. The design was complex, but Katsuo's AI chip allowed him to process information faster than most could even dream. The city would be a technological marvel, with floating platforms for research and development, towering structures for living and commerce, and expansive zones for recreation. A place where ideas could flourish without the constraints of the traditional world.
He ran his fingers over the glowing interface, tweaking and adjusting as his thoughts raced ahead. There were still obstacles to overcome. Resources were scarce, and the location for I-Island needed to be secured. The logistics of building a floating city required alliances—people who could help turn his vision into reality. Katsuo had already reached out to some figures in the tech community, but now he needed to take the next step.
The door to his apartment buzzed, a soft but insistent sound that interrupted his concentration. Katsuo turned, tapping a few buttons to disengage the security system. A figure stepped into the room, and Katsuo immediately recognized her.
"Kira," he greeted, his voice neutral but curious. "I wasn't expecting you today."
Kira smiled, her silver hair flowing over her shoulder as she stepped inside. Her piercing blue eyes were sharp and confident, a trait that Katsuo had come to respect over the past few days of their conversations. She wasn't just any hero—she was a strategist, someone with a keen mind for the bigger picture.
"I know you weren't," Kira replied, her tone casual but knowing. "But I think it's time we talk seriously about I-Island. You're on the verge of something big, and I want to help."
Katsuo's gaze softened. He had spent so much time in isolation, perfecting his work, that he hadn't really considered what it would take to make his vision a reality. He had known about Kira's connections, her standing in the hero community, but now she was offering something more than just her support.
"I appreciate that, but I still don't know if I trust anyone outside of my team. I-Island needs to be kept secure," Katsuo admitted. His eyes flickered to a series of blueprints spread across the desk, each one detailing different aspects of the floating city. "There are too many variables—too many people who would want to control it for the wrong reasons."
"I get that," Kira said, her voice unwavering. "But that's exactly why I think you should let me help. I have access to resources, connections, and influence. More importantly, I can help you keep I-Island under your control. No one else can take it from you if we move carefully."
Katsuo stared at her for a moment, considering her words. The truth was, he needed help. He had no intention of turning I-Island into a tool for the government or villain organizations, and Kira seemed genuinely interested in keeping it as a haven for innovation. But there was always a price. Katsuo wasn't naive enough to think that she would offer help without expecting something in return.
"Alright," he said finally, making up his mind. "But we need to move fast. I-Island needs to be built before anyone catches wind of it. I'll start working on the technical side of things, but you'll need to handle the logistics. We'll need allies who can help fund this, build it, and keep it safe."
Kira nodded, the seriousness of the task evident in her expression. "I've already made a few calls. Some people owe me favors. We can get this started in the next few weeks."
"Good," Katsuo replied, feeling a sense of relief that things were finally falling into place. But he knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was uncertain, and the enemies that lurked in the shadows wouldn't make it easy. He had already faced threats from those who sought to steal his inventions. It was only a matter of time before others would come for I-Island.
But Katsuo wasn't someone who would back down. He had a vision, and nothing would stop him from seeing it realized.
The First Steps
The next few weeks were a blur of meetings, designs, and constant revisions. Katsuo had learned to work quickly, using his AI chip to enhance his productivity and accuracy. But even with the advanced technology at his disposal, building I-Island was a monumental task. The island wasn't just about advanced tech—it had to be sustainable, habitable, and safe. There were so many layers to consider, from energy systems to security, from transport networks to housing. Every single detail had to be perfect.
Kira proved to be a valuable ally. She worked tirelessly to secure resources and fund the project. Her connections in the hero community helped bring in skilled professionals and experts, many of whom were eager to contribute to the cause. The team grew quickly, and soon, Katsuo found himself surrounded by a mix of scientists, engineers, and even some individuals from the military who were interested in the potential of I-Island.
But not everyone was thrilled with the idea. Some people were wary of the project, concerned that it could become a weapon in the wrong hands. Katsuo understood their concerns, but he remained steadfast in his belief that I-Island would be a sanctuary—a place where innovation could flourish without fear of exploitation.
One day, as he was reviewing the latest set of blueprints, Katsuo received an unexpected visitor.
"Are you the genius behind all this?" The voice was gruff, but there was a hint of admiration in it. Katsuo turned to see a tall, muscular man standing in the doorway of his workshop. The man wore a suit with a symbol on it that Katsuo recognized immediately.
"I'm Katsuo Yamada," he replied, sizing up the man. "And you are?"
"My name's Saito," the man said with a smirk. "I've been sent by the government. We've been keeping an eye on your project. You're making some bold moves, kid."
Katsuo's pulse quickened. He had heard rumors about government interest in his work, but he hadn't expected them to show up this soon.
"Why are you here?" Katsuo asked, his tone cool but wary. He had no interest in becoming a pawn in some government agenda.
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Saito said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "But I'm sure you're aware that your little project has... potential. The government sees it as a way to keep up with the growing threat of villains. We've got a lot of resources, and we can help you make this island a reality faster."
"I don't need your help," Katsuo replied bluntly. "I-Island will remain independent. I'm not building it for the government, and I'm not about to hand it over to anyone."
Saito's eyes narrowed, but there was no anger in his gaze. Instead, he seemed almost amused. "You're a stubborn one, huh? Well, we'll see how long that lasts. You can build your little island, but remember this: You won't be able to protect it alone."
With that, Saito turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Katsuo stood in silence for a moment, feeling a mix of unease and determination. He knew this wouldn't be the last time the government would try to interfere with his plans.
But he wasn't afraid. I-Island was his dream, and he would fight to protect it.