Rage

Sakura-machi ward was a combination of modern and old Japanese-style buildings, an energetic and peaceful neighborhood. Renovated cafes stood alongside old and new restaurants.

The bustling streets were lively with street performers entertaining the pedestrians by playing music, juggling, doing magic tricks, and many more entertaining performances.

In the middle of the street, beautiful cherry blossom trees that radiated life separated the road into two halves.

The chatter of pedestrians filled the street, both normies and supernaturals, discussing the everyday norms and supernatural rumors going around.

The air was full of excitement, as if they were anticipating something that would blow their minds or waiting for a grand announcement of some sort.

The aroma of cappuccino, ramen, and takoyaki wafted through the air, capturing the energy of the second ward of the Eien district, arguably the best neighborhood in the entire district—actually, in the entire city—in terms of scenery.

Saku, who walked alongside Kanae, a girl with shimmering black hair and beautiful brown eyes, simply was not impressed by his neighborhood anymore. He had seen it way too many times, so now it wasn't anything special.

The two of them chatted like old friends because, well, they had known each other for a long time, dating back to their middle school days. They walked down the street when a teenage boy noticed them while standing next to his friend.

The two boys were in line at the local modern arcade that had notable consoles like the GameStations 3 and 4. One of the boys nudged his friend and said,

“Yow, Takeru, ain't that your girl?”

Takeru looked around, his eyes landing on them as he noticed Kanae smiling brightly while looking at the calm Saku. Immediately, his veins popped in his forehead, his teeth clenched tightly.

Oblivious to this, Saku and Kanae took a left into a narrow alleyway that was a shortcut to their houses.

What were those visions? It seems like they're connected to this... Toriyama person. I wonder if it's the same guy I've been seeing on TV lately. Saku thought, an introspective look gracing his features.

"How's Shion been? I haven't paid her a visit in a while," Kanae inquired while staring at him, her hands behind her back.

"She's fine. She was actually discharged just a few days ago," Saku replied casually as he inserted his hands in his pockets, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"That's great news, I'm so glad."

"Yeah... so am I.”

“I still don't understand what really happened to her, though?”

“She overexerted herself while protecting citizens from danger, the normal Union officer stuff.”

“I see…” Kanae raised her head and stared at the clear night sky above. It was dimly lit by the refulgent moonlight, and for a moment, the moon reflected in her deep, soulful brown eyes as she cooed, her voice like a harmonious tune. “How cool would it be if we were officers… You're pretty lucky, you know, cuz everyone in your family is a member of the Union. I wish my family was that cool.”

“Almost everyone. My mom died… Remember?”

“I'm sorry I made you remember, I didn't mean to—”

“It's fine, don't worry about it… Anyway, isn't your family super rich?”

“Well… Yeah, but—”

“Then they're plenty cool already. Plus, doing the dangerous job of Union officers is not cool in the slightest. It's just risky.”

“Oh come on, live a little, will you,” Kanae purred, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she leaned forward and glanced at him.

“I am living,” Saku mumbled as he rolled his eyes, his shoulders shrugged.

“You know what I meant,” She murmured while glaring daggers at him.

Just as they continued their banter, a crackling sound came from above them as a person who was engulfed in electricity descended like a lightning strike, landing right in front of them in a flashy superhero pose. This person was none other than Takeru Akakawa.

Takeru stood up and stared directly into Saku's gaze as he narrowed his eyes. Takeru hated Saku for a long time due to circumstances regarding his father. He also hated Saku for another reason, and that reason was standing right next to Saku.

“Takeru, what's wrong? Why do you look so upset?” Kanae queried, a troubled aspect presenting itself on her visage.

Takeru ignored her, his eyebrows furrowed, his jaw tightened, his shoulders tensed, and his posture as stiff as a board. “I want a rematch, Saku. This time, I'm going to defeat you.”

“Can't we just… not fight for once, Akakawa? I've beaten you on multiple occasions, just give up—”

“Shut up… shut… the f*ck… up…” Takeru lashed, his voice sharp. “I don't want to hear you gloat, just give me my rematch… Now!”

“I can't, I can only give you a rematch at the dojo. You know that.”

“Quit making lame excuses… If you won't do it willingly, then I'll just have to force you!”

Takeru pounced forward, moving at the speed of electricity itself. He flung his fist at Saku's face. Saku sidestepped and weaved his attack by mere inches as he thought, That was close.

Takeru continued on the assault by gaining his footing, but as he spun to deliver a ferocious backfist, Kanae stepped in-between them. The fist landed on her cheek with a resolute thud that echoed in the alley.

Kanae was knocked to the ground like a rag doll. Takeru stepped back, his hands shaking while Saku rushed to her side.

He had done something he could never take back. It was quite unfortunate for him to hit someone he cared about deeply even though he had never shown it.

He approached her and offered to help, but Saku slapped his hand away from her. Kanae had been knocked out from the sheer force and power of the punch.

Saku clenched his jaw, his eyes shaking uncontrollably, his hands trembling, his furious face twisting in anger.

It was as if he was fuming with pure untamed rage. Saku's sclera gave way to darkness as it turned undeniably black.

His blue eyes slowly veered to crimson red as his energy slowly became visible all around his body in an immaculate maroon aura.

The ground began to shake as pebbles slowly rose up from the ground. Saku stood up and faced Takeru. His eyes held a murderous look in them.

Takeru’s posture tensed as he mumbled, “What—the hell—have you become?”

An ominous, gut-wrenching energy radiated from Saku, sending a frequency that resonated with all supernaturals throughout the entire city. 

It screamed homicidal urge as if threatening all who could feel the frequency. His pupils glowed like two red spotlights. The look in his eyes was unmistakable. Saku Mizuno… had succumbed to fury.