"Does Anybody Plan for Death?" - Hero's Lies Arc

Schulz watched as the ball slotted perfectly into one of the two green zones. He could feel the life leaving his body. He gasped for breath, clutching his heart. He began to panic. He didn’t want it to end like this. Kage kneeled down in front of him, looking into the young man’s eyes.

“Schulz. I have one question to ask, if you have time?”

“Go ahead, old man,” he swallowed the air. “Just make it…quick.”

“Why did you do this? You had power to give back to the world. I know your childhood was that of poverty. But, why? Why didn’t you use your power for good, instead of gambling it all away, and not helping people?” Kage asked, putting his hand on his opponent’s shoulder. Schulz looked Kage dead in the eyes, and a single tear left his own eye and ran down his cheek.

“It was easier to hurt people than it was to be a hero. If I used that Love Crystal, everybody would just love me automatically. Do you know how much simpler that would be to use that crystal, and just have everyone like you?! No stress! Just forget about my old pain and suffering, and have everyone like you without trying!”

Kage nodded, accepting the young man’s answer.

“I understand that all too well. Rest your eyes. It will all be over soon.”

Kage could feel the effects of the Carte Blanche losing effect. He was in pain himself. He hadn’t fought like that in over a year. Nevertheless, he didn’t want to show that to his students. Kage stood up tall, and signaled to the drones to take their focus off of Schulz, and let him die peacefully.

“World! If you do not know my name, it is Tsuyoshi Kage. I was one of the highest-ranking officers for Acebia during the war. I am often considered the God of Light, the God who is supposedly always is around to protect the world from danger.” He took a deep breath. “I am not the God of Light.”

The whole world was taken aback. The two crowds that had gathered in each respective capital gasped in unison. Although Kage never said he was the God of Light, it was often assumed by all. His light speed teleportation and sheer power made him as close to a God, without being one. The crowds became worried, scared even. Who and where was the God of Light, their savior?

Was it all just a lie?

“I only took that title to make people believe that I was always there to protect you all,” Kage continued on, pointing a finger to the sky. “However, I know that one of my students will become strong enough to unlock that power.” His finger came down, now pointing at his students. “Behold! The new generation of Gods, without corruption!”

The four smiled awkwardly at the camera. Most people did not cheer, but there was a unanimous standing ovation for them. Kage looked into the camera.

“These four brave soldiers only want world peace and equality! If that means battling the Gods, no matter how strong they are, they will not stop until they reach their goal! The Gods aren’t who they perceive themselves to be, everyone! I know who you Gods are, Zetsubo Onuki. I know you are watching. Just wait. Within the next six months, the first God will fall,” Kage smirked, batting his hand away, telling the drones to fly away back to Lodestown, to which the drones followed the order. Kage walked over to his students.

“You did very well. Every single one of you. I will say one thing though, Hiroshi, don’t be an idiot and run off into battle alone like that again,” Kage said sternly. “You could have died. And I believe you have a lot more to offer, don’t you think?”

“Yes, Kage, I’m sorry,” Hiroshi looked down, ashamed of his actions. Despite this, Kage got down on a knee and smiled at him.

“On the bright side, you finally asked Wisteria out. I’m proud.”

“Um…thanks,” Hiroshi said, blushing slightly. “It was more of a mutual thing…”

Kage stood up, keeping his back straight. The rest of his energy was being used just to keep him standing.

“Wisteria? A moment alone, please?”

The young woman seemed confused, but shrugged her shoulders and followed Kage out from the debris. They had been walking for over a hundred meters, until they finally stopped. Kage sighed and turned around to face Wisteria, who was still slightly battered from her own fight.

“What’s up, Kage? Are you hurt at all?”

“Thanks for your concerns, young Wisteria. I’m totally fine,” he said, with a pained expression, locking away his true emotions. “Finally, that dumbass confessed, huh? Congratulations!”

“Oh, yeah! Thank you so much!” Wisteria exclaimed, her face beaming. “Are you ok with us dating, and as well as that, Tomo and Bibi?”

“Of course I am! I just…Wisteria I’m concerned about one aspect,” Kage admitted to his student, who became shocked. Kage never showed fear. He continued to explain himself. “All of you have progressed wonderfully and did amazing in that fight, even Hiroshi and Tomokazu, who technically lost the physical battle with their opponents. However, even though you and Tomokazu are stronger, Hiroshi was the one that scares me the most.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I can feel a darkness in him, Wisteria. I came to ask you a favor. If I train all of you for the next six months, getting you all to fight as fast as me, you need to promise me you won’t die, even if that means running away from a fight you can win.”

“Well, I don’t go into a fight planning to die. Does anybody plan to die?" Wisteria gave a nervous chuckle, and Kage shook his head.

“Nobody does, Wisteria. But do you understand me? That darkness in Hiroshi…it worries me. If you die, I just know he will become too powerful to stop. He will become even more hateful, and he won’t be stopped. He will become a God on a different level. Understand?” he asked, to which Wisteria nodded slowly. “Now come on, please help me find the Love Crystal.”