Lily was shocked by the sheer rage in Kentaro's eyes. Anri, on the other hand, was terrified after witnessing this side of him. Lily forced a tense smile and spoke, "Kirishima has succeeded in creating Compound S. He's building an army of people injected with it."
Kentaro, still seething in silent fury, asked, "What do you mean he succeeded?"
"Exactly as I said. After 27,986 failed experiments, he finally perfected Compound S. We need your help to stop him. You are the only one who can—the only one who survived being injected with two doses of the incomplete Compound S in your left arm."
Kentaro's upper left body was still fully wrapped in bandages. He exhaled sharply, his mind processing her words.
Lily continued, "Also, Kirishima is after Experiment 23011. You know exactly who that is."
Kentaro's expression shifted from rage to a mix of shock and fear. "That's impossible. How does he know?"
Lily sighed. "Of course he knows. Someone rescued the experiment. Did you really think he wouldn't find out?"
Kentaro took a deep breath before asking, "What do you want from me?"
"We're planning an all-out assault on Kirishima. And we need you with us, Ex–Vice Captain Kentaro Shion. Join this war."
Kentaro's eyes narrowed. "And how exactly do you plan to do this?"
Lily smirked. "I'll tell you. But first, you have to officially join us. We can't risk revealing our plan unless you're on board. Come with us to headquarters, and you'll know everything. So, what do you say?"
Kentaro looked at her with suspicion and irritation before finally responding, "Fine. I'll join you—but only under three conditions. If you can't meet them, I'm out."
Lily nodded. "Let's hear them."
Kentaro listed his terms:
1. You must guarantee the safety of the old man and Mira.
2. I will decide who takes part in the mission, and I will be the one to lead it.
3. When the time comes, I will fight Kirishima alone. No one is to interfere.
Anri was stunned by his demands, but Lily's reaction was the opposite. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she grinned. "Very well. I accept."
Anri turned to her in disbelief. "Captain, we can't just blindly agree to his conditions!"
Lily, unfazed, replied, "Don't worry. If he's on our side, there's no way we can lose."
She then turned to Kentaro. "We leave tomorrow. Be ready. Also... do you have a spare room? We don't have anywhere to stay tonight."
Kentaro, caught off guard, sighed. "Fine, you can stay."
Lily cheered up instantly.
By evening, Mira and the old man returned home. The group had dinner together, though the old man kept a wary eye on Lily and Anri the entire time. Later, as the others went to sleep, Kentaro sat alone on the rooftop, smoking a cigarette. The old man joined him.
"Are you really going?" the old man asked.
Kentaro exhaled smoke and replied, "What the hell are you doing up here? At your age, you'll get back cramps."
The old man scoffed. "Shut up, kid. Just answer the damn question."
Kentaro didn't turn to face him. "You already know my answer."
The old man sighed. "You're doing this for a girl who doesn't even lo—"
"Go to sleep, old man," Kentaro interrupted. "You'll get sick. We have to travel tomorrow."
The old man frowned. "We? What do you mean we?"
"You and Mira are coming too."
The old man's expression darkened. "Why are you dragging Mira into this?"
"Because Kirishima is after her. I need to ensure her safety myself. That's why."
The old man went silent for a long moment before muttering, "Do what you want."
Kentaro continued smoking as time passed.
Early the next morning, the sound of helicopter blades cutting through the air filled the sky above Kentaro's house. The team was ready.
With a storm of emotions—thrill, anxiety, fear, and aggression—raging in his heart, Kentaro took a deep breath.
The war is finally beginning.