Reasoning - Hiroshi's Humanity Arc

Hiroshi Akuma.

Wisteria Itsumi.

Tomokazu Onuki.

Bibi.

Tsuyoshi Kage.

All five, as well as Kuro-Yami, all wanted to fight and kill the Gods, all for different reasons.

“They seem tense around each other. Makes sense, especially after the Tournament. If I can have them come to a common understanding, they can work together slightly better,” Kage thought to himself. They were all capable. He just needed to nudge them forward in the right direction. He stood up from his bar stool once again and went to the center of the circle.

“I want to kill the Gods to make sure no-one dies in a war again. Although a ceasefire is now currently in effect, there will be another war. Maybe after a power increase or dip in either side. I want Acebia and Titania to be at ease with one another. So, I guess I want to save lives,” Kage smiled, and he sat back down. “Don’t all get up at once.”

A minute went by, but it felt like an hour for the team. They were all eyeballing each other, all at one time. Could they really trust the others? Is this what they really want?

Eventually, Tomokazu stood up and plucked up the courage to speak and break the ice.

“Well, I don’t necessarily want to kill the Gods. However, being lied to all those years…I feel betrayed. Cold. Like a piece of me died inside. My father views me as a weakling. I suppose, my reason for being on this team is to get stronger, and to prove to them that I can fight back, if I so choose.”

Well done, Tomo. That was perfect. Please, sit back down,” Kage ushered, and Tomokazu obeyed immediately. “Next up? Why don’t we hear from Wisteria next?”

Wisteria blushed and got off her stool slowly. She fidgeted with her hands. She much rather her own company. When she was hunting, she was at peace. Nobody to talk to or interact with. Certainly, no talk like this. She looked up at Hiroshi, who gave her a thumbs up and a small corner of his mouth lifted up.

“Well, I live in a very poor part of Acebia. Lightley. As you can see it’s…worn…to say the least. An army general used to show up here. He was corrupt. He would take all our money and valuables and would beat anyone who had nothing. I hated it. I had the power to stop him, but I was told that poor people don’t use magic. It’s…unhealthy. I want to kill the Gods to destroy the hierarchy. Everyone can be equal and love each other for who we are.”

Wisteria sat back down in her stool and blushed even more aggressively. Where did that confidence come from? Just from looking at Hiroshi?!

“Thank you, Wisteria. That’s a very admirable reason. Next?” Kage gave a big smile, and Bibi was encouraged enough to step up.

“Well, my father was a really good scientist. He was one of Acebia’s top dogs, actually, and reported to the Gods directly for different findings. He loved working there, even if the hours were long. He only had one complaint. The lab was always unsafe. Too many hazards. He always asked the God of Hope for better safety checks and more staff but was refused every time. One day, the lab he was working in blew up. Not only that, but the Gods also kept it from the media, to uphold their image,” Bibi vented through gritted teeth. “I hate those fakers. It’s all Zetsubo’s fault. I want revenge, and for my father to be put at rest.”

She eyed Tomokazu, who backed down from a fight he wasn’t a part of. Her eyes were like daggers stabbing the side of his head. Kage cleared his throat harshly, and Bibi sat back down, still not taking her eyes off him.

“Perfect. Now, you, young Hiroshi?”

Hiroshi stood up. He had no problem talking in front of a crowd. He always faked his confidence in his old world. In fairness, the rare times he did show emotion, he faked it. The only time he didn’t fake was when he was with Blossom.

“Well, my old world, as well as this one, have selfish people everywhere. Nobody cares about anyone first but themselves. I just want to take the world for myself, and make sure everyone treats one another with respect.”

Hiroshi sat back down, looking at Kage. He knew that his tone came off slightly evil and self-centered. Good.

“I see. So, our five reasons, in order from me to Hiroshi, are saving lives, strength, equality, revenge and peace. All very valid reasons. Can you see how you all have the same goal, but different reasons? That’s why we have to work together.”

Hiroshi’s ears picked up. What Kage had said made no sense.

“I never said I wanted peace…”

“That’s how I interpreted it,” Kage stated boldly. “Simple as. You want people to respect one another and be happy in themselves. It’s called peace. Now, everyone gets a good night’s rest. Thank you for your time. The physical training starts tomorrow.”

Hiroshi sighed. Bibi was going to stay with Wisteria, and Hiroshi had to let Tomokazu live in his own, newly built house. Just typical. Kage preferred to sleep under the stars, despite Wisteria’s constant protests.

As Hiroshi walked out of the bar, he spotted Bibi walk off by herself and sit on a rock that looked down the path, away from the village. Hiroshi needed answers. She was looking so aggressive at Tomokazu in the tavern. That was clear. So, why was she also being kind to him?

Hiroshi sat down on the grass beside Bibi, who continued to look out down the path.

“You are just like me, Hiroshi,” she whispered, to which Hiroshi raised an eyebrow.

What did she mean by that?