One quiet morning in a relaxing coffee cafe, Yuri is sipping his morning coffee somewhere in Chiyoda City. Yuri thinks about the aftermath of the scene he and his squad found after the perpetrator got away with one of Ozukou's technologies, ever since he saw that mysterious individual. It seems new disasters had begun to emerge within the week.
But it wasn't just the glider or the serum; after some investigation, it seems the individual even stole small grenades that explode when thrown. As for what industries create such dangerous things, it is still being processed.
Yuri struggled to find out who this person was, and his little brother couldn't recall what exactly had happened to leave such a mess. But no video or audio recording was available or even found as this person was truly skilled at ensuring clues to their identity were never found.
And from what Yuri understood of his brother's powers. was that his dual consciousness would have definitely been able to see and recall the other's memories; yet in that case, Sekinin for some reason just blacked out and still managed to do that much damage. And not to mention that seizure he "supposedly" suffered all of a sudden from what Yor told him.
Yuri thanked Nijika and Miss Hino for watching over him and with those ofudas when he did manage to arrive at the late party.
Still, Yuri was looking at a few papers. From a regular person's point of view, it seems like a regular article in a newspaper. But Yuri was reading a coded message from the newspaper from his network. A message from his superior. Yuri was finishing up the message just as he felt someone heading towards him. But Yuri didn't react because he knew who was approaching him.
Or rather, sitting down next to him as they began drinking a latte.
"Nice to see you, Chloe."
The person standing next to Yuri is a young woman with dark magenta hair styled in a short bob with bangs and matching dark magenta eyes. She has dangling earrings shaped like handcuffs. Something that Yuri had just recently noticed. She is wearing a black beanie, a black jacket over a white shirt, and jeans.
"Oh? Didn't know we were on a name basis. That's an improvement."
Yuri rolled his eyes before getting to the topic. Not before whispering to not get overheard, while also ensuring no one was spying on them just to be sure.
"Chloe, have you gotten information connecting to last week's disaster?"
Chloe took another sip of her latte before secretly passing Yuri a folder. Yuri took it and hid it in his bag to check out later. But Chloe gave him a quiet rundown in the same whisper tone.
"There was a recent experimental base that exploded very far from the city. Hidden on top of that, illegal experiments. Experiments that would rival Ozukou Industries. And from what we gathered… It was not pleasant research they were conducting."
"Do you think that whoever this person is, it is possible to have a grudge or rivalry against Ozukou?"
"It's possible, but unless we have something other than that theory then that's all we have to assume. And after further research. We can't just use our authority to find out who funded that stolen serum."
Yuri raises an eyebrow, a wall to block their own status as the State Security Service.
"How could our own status not be able to find that out?"
"From what the Lieutenant and the Director had heard and pieced together, whoever funded that serum, seems to be connected with that spider incident that happened months prior. And it seems very private as there is no record of said individual. And more importantly, it seems those we manage to take in using our authority are that loyal, or perhaps afraid to even say the individual's name. Perhaps who we are trying to find out obviously seems to have connections and influences that much to even not speak of their name."
Yuri nodded before asking Chloe a question.
"Hey, what was that destroyed base even experimenting on?"
"From what we gather, it is possible that those scientists were trying to replicate Spider-Man's powers. By seeing if they could find out what caused Spider-Man to do what he can do."
Yuri's eyes widen, before his expression hardens. Yuri couldn't believe it, people dare, dare to try to recreate what happened to his precious little brother. But that also led Yuri to think about what exactly that base had to try to recreate Sekinin's powers.
Because what Yuri knew was that Sekinin said to him that the spider he got his powers from was created by Ozukou Industries. Which meant the possible theory about a rivalry or removing a copy of something that was theirs. But if so, then why steal the glider from said industries, to go blowing up a secret base? What sense does that make?
Before he could say more, Chloe began to change the topic, as well as speaking normally. Yuri knew why, a few people started to begin to eat or drink while filling up the cafe.
"So, how was your little brother's birthday?"
Yuri sighed as he thought about that party. A party that…
"I didn't show up like I wish I could have gotten to. No thanks to work, paperwork, and even when I manage to make time, especially on that day. Just when I was driving on my way to May and Ben's home. I got the phone call that led to what's been going on this week. But the party was over by the time I managed to get there as my brother got into an accident all of a sudden."
"Is he alright? It's been a few years since I last saw him when your mother invited me over for dinner years ago."
Yuri mutters that it was 4 years ago. Back when he was a prodigy in university thanks to his late mother's help in skipping high school and getting him into college, something that was only known between him and Mary. He was 14 when he first got in and met Chloe who was 18 making her his upperclassman back then.
Yuri recalls his mother who dropped by to visit him, while also scaring off a few of his peers when she believed they were isolating him. Yuri even admitted in his thoughts that Mary was scary when it involved him, Yor, or Sekinin. But just out of nowhere she spotted Chloe and invited her over to dinner which led to Chloe meeting his big sister and little brother. Even if it was only one or a few times that Mary invited Chloe or Chloe asked Yuri if she could come by, Mary left an impression on her.
She even went to the funeral to comfort Yuri.
Meanwhile, Chloe recalls how she met the Parker family, and the wonderful woman that is Mary Parker. She recalls the first time she saw Yuri at university, he was shorter than her, and his attitude basically led him to be isolated and unpopular among their peers. Chloe almost let out a chuckle at the day she met Mrs. Parker, and how the glare she gave to a group of popular classmates who were pointing and whispering about Yuri, caused literal fear in that group in an instant causing them to trip or flee from what they saw was death staring at them.
But for Chloe herself, she saw Yuri as a person who just wishes to pay back the love, support, and family to reach where he managed to reach thanks to his late mother. To be someone his little brother would look up to, and someone his sister would be proud of. And of course, his obsession and protectiveness toward said siblings.
Still, she respects him, and that is what made Mary notice that she was possibly Yuri's only friend. And during that first dinner with the Parkers, Mary pulled aside and thanked Chloe for respecting Yuri, apologizing for his personality as she thought his attitude would have dimmed down when he got into college. But also hoped she would help him be more independent about himself.
Chloe took that to heart, so when they met again literally after they graduated, they were working in the SSS and ironically he became her superior with him rising through the ranks.
"How old is Sekinin now?"
"He's twelve. Here, I got a picture of him during my last visit."
Yuri opened his phone to show Chloe a picture of Sekinin, when she saw it, her eyes widened slightly, clearly the little boy she saw last time was now a teenager. Possibly just reached puberty. But still, for a boy who was meant to be 12 years old, Chloe did feel off guard to see such a growth spurt for Sekinin's preteen age.
"Not to be invading privacy, but just out of curiosity, what did you give him?"
Yuri smirked as if he had gotten him a special and reasonable gift. A smirk that Chloe felt she would absolutely question it even if she hadn't heard what it even was yet.
"Well, at first, I hadn't really gotten the chance to get something for him as it was hard to get him something. But he did ask if it was alright with me if I could give him something that I have access to. And that is what I believe would be fine for his protection and the effect. A taser."
Chloe stared at Yuri in disbelief, sure, his little brother does look like a teenager, but that didn't change the fact he just recently turned 12. Not to mention, should anyone notice that someone… Well, actually it really depends if Yuri did give a taser to Sekinin in front of his aunt and uncle.
"Did your Aunt May and Uncle Ben agree with that kind of present for your little brother?"
"Of course they wouldn't, that's why I didn't show it publicly. But I did warn Sekinin not to openly use it where many people could see it. Just use it when it is necessary."
Chloe sighs while feeling she should have already been used to it. Either way, at least it wasn't a gun. Because that would have caused a lot more concerns and problems than a taser.
"Though, I do have to ask, was there a reason Sekinin wanted to have something that a police officer like yourself has access to?"
"Yeah, one, to research the ways a taser works. I believe he is studying computer engineering or science."
This got Chloe's eyes to widen slightly, seemingly interested in Sekinin's career choice, or if one of the others is his career path.
"Oh? Sounds interesting? So does that mean Sekinin is planning on attending Eden Academy then?"
Yuri shook his head.
"No, he is going to a regular high school with Nijika. You remember Nijika, right?"
"The girl who had that unexplained floating ahoge? Then yes."
The two continue talking for a while longer before exiting the cafe after Yuri receives another alert from the radio.
————
Meanwhile at the Hikawa Shrine
"Sekinin… Are you even sure this is going to be safe? Because you did mention it's a prototype."
Rei asks in pure worry about what Sekinin is planning on doing. And she has every right to be. Because what she saw only consisted of exposing the circuit boards and wires, and even if it was on a table. Where it was on the grass as this is happening outside and behind the shrine.
Safe, for the area, but not the person in question.
"I'll be honest Rei, I really don't know. But there is a reason why trial and error are always the terms to test something. And this is one of them. Even if it fails, it means I can see what I need to improve or fix. And should it succeed, then it means I am on the right track."
Sekinin assures her as he checks to see if the first test is indeed ready. As if it was not explained, Sekinin is testing a gadget he had invented. The name: Wave Blast. Just as the name implies, it is meant to shoot out a force of pure wave blast that either flings or knocks back opponents in an instant.
And the range is targeted to hit more than one opponent. Weeks of researching, watching videos, and tinkering while just getting shocked a few times. Led up to this very moment.
"Okay, just got to see if this would work… Okay, the gadget is ready to be tested."
Rei still looks a little worried.
"So… Should we go a safe distance? I think it best if we should."
"Hmm? Oh, uh, here's the thing… I made the gadget to only be activated with a trigger. At first I was planning on using how I use my middle and ring fingers to shoot out webs. But I did wonder if that was going to be a problem if I did make a gadget that would cover my wrists. Well, the bottom part of my wrists. So I decided to just think of a solution when I get there."
Rei raises an eyebrow.
"So your webs do have a limitation or a problem?"
"Yeah, whenever something is on my wrists, like say, a watch or those bracelets that rock bands wear, the ones with spikes and such. Something like that truly prevents webs from shooting from my wrists. And if you're thinking what happens if I tried, then whatever I have on would instantly snap off just for my webs to be able to shoot out."
Rei blinked in surprise at the power Sekinin's organic webbing could make should it try to be suppressed, well unintentionally of course by Sekinin's explanation and example.
But speaking of powers.
"So has there not been any leads on the individual that escaped with that glider?"
Sekinin stops looking at the gadget for a moment and is completely silent.
"Honestly… There really isn't. Hadn't heard anything new from Yuri, but rumors are going around about a military base or something similar getting attacked which could be linked. But I don't know. But if you were also going to ask about if I had found anything new regarding what happened to my other half then, no I hadn't."
Sekinin always thought he had control of his powers. But last week had just become strange, he knew that he had blacked out, which was obviously the case as with his other previous blackouts. But for some weird reason, Sekinin doesn't have the memories of what happened after that encounter.
Sure, the evidence that Yuri told him seems to suggest he managed to do some damage to that individual. But, that didn't excuse the damage he left behind. More importantly, he did assume he must have a second personality or something. But unless he actually has proof or if someone caught him acting not entirely himself, then the answer is still unknown to even himself.
"Okay, enough talking, time to test this out."
Rei slowly backed away just to be sure. Sekinin approached his gadget as he used a press of a button that connected to activate it. When he used force to press it… Nothing happened.
"..."
Sekinin attempted to press the button again, and again, only for him to check the wiring did he hummed, as he was sure he had double-checked everything for even a first spark. But then suddenly, a little too late, his spider-sense reacted as it began sparking then shot out an unstable shockwave which flung Sekinin directly to a tree.
"Sekinin!"
Rei instantly rushes to Sekinin's aid as she helps him get up while also telling him off.
"I told you that you should have gone to a safe distance. But are you alright? Any injuries?"
"I'm fine, just a little shaken by the impact. Guess I need to do some adjustments and more protection. While also improving the gadget itself."
Rei sighs before placing an ofuda on Sekinin's forehead to nullify the pain. The two soon hear footsteps as they turn and see a tall thin older man with white hair and a mustache. He laughs wholeheartedly as he approaches the two. To Sekinin he had a distinguished aura, something even he respected considering how he knew the man.
"Sekinin, you should be more careful next time. You are still a growing boy under all that growth spurt of yours young lad."
Sekinin sheepishly scratched the back of his head while chuckling nervously.
"Sorry, Hino-san, I just really wanted to see if my project was at least the result of a prototype."
He looked towards the person who is Rei's grandfather, a person he met back when Sekinin first visited the shrine to see Rei. A person who truly cares for and loves Rei as he is the one who watches over her after Rei's mother's death. He is also the high priest of the Hikawa Shrine.
"A bit?"
Rei asked with seriousness in her voice, which made Sekinin laugh nervously. Thankfully Rei's grandfather defused the rising tension between Sekinin and Rei.
"Sekinin, my boy. I can't help but want to ask you something."
"Oh? Is it something important Hino-san?"
"No, no, it's more of a question. Are you perhaps interested in working at the shrine?"
This caused two reactions, Sekinin was surprised while Rei was surprised as well but also exasperated.
"Grandpa! Are you trying to say I can't do everything here?"
Grandpa Hino shook his head and explained.
"No, I'm not saying that. I believe it would be good to have extra help around here. Plus it would be good company for you Rei. After all, you both are good friends to each other right?"
Rei just turns her head, not denying that both of them are good friends. It's just that in reality, Sekinin is the only person who knows the real her. Not someone who is just admired at school or is viewed as a person with special powers in a good and bad way. But Sekinin began to ask about
"Err, is that really okay for me to possibly be working at the shrine? Not saying it would be hard, but, well, if that truly is alright for me to work here?"
Grandpa Hino nodded, saying that it would be a great relaxing but stable experience for him. Especially since it seems that Sekinin has been acting like he needs to step up against something. Something that he needs to overcome.
Sekinin was surprised by Grandpa Hino's words. He then heard Rei saying that her grandpa isn't wrong. Sekinin has been acting like that. As if the whole world, or everyone close to him depends on him. That was how Rei felt when Sekinin was acting.
Sekinin looked back at the gadget that broke in half, he may not know what actually happened last week, but it is obvious it affected him. To the point where it seemed he was acting too fast to try to get something done.
And honestly, it is also the same with his other half as Spider-Man. Even the other one is trying to overwork himself to stop crime, or to find more clues to find Kamiki or the mysterious figure that has the glider and bombs.
Sekinin picked up the damaged gadget knowing he still had a long way to go. To understand himself more, but also to learn just what even happened to him.
But he did turn back to Grandpa Hino to give his answer.
"Do you mind if I think about the offer?"
"Of course, you don't have to work right away. You can think about it as long as you can."
Sekinin said his thanks while wondering what his other half was doing at the moment.