"Multiple heroes have been found unconscious at the scene of the battle with the Seafolk in J-City. Several monster corpses, presumably slain by those heroes, were also discovered. However, there's no doubt that a powerful Seafolk mber is still rampaging in the area. Citizens still in the city are urged to evacuate imdiately."
"In related news, we have a special guest today, A-Class Rank 1 hero and the reigning top spot holder of the popularity rankings for 28 consecutive weeks: Sweet Mask!"
The television was tuned to a news program actively covering the unfolding Seafolk invasion. Sweet Mask appeared onscreen with his signature cool, cara-perfect expression, greeting viewers with effortless charisma.
"Pleased to be here," he said with a nod, poised and serious.
"So, the threat level of this Seafolk invasion has been raised to Demon. Mr. Sweet Mask, what are your thoughts on this situation?" the host asked.
"Heroes must eliminate evil swiftly while always maintaining their resilience, strength, and beauty. Only then can we dispel the public's fears," Sweet Mask responded with conviction. "I deeply regret the failures of the heroes who were defeated this ti. I hope they'll train even harder to avoid such reckless sacrifices in the future."
"Wait! It looks like another S-Class hero has just arrived at the scene. It appears to be Kamui, S-Class Rank 5, the one who saved Z-City not long ago!"
Drones circling the battlefield provided live aerial footage, allowing the host to keep viewers inford in real ti. As Kamui's figure appeared onscreen, Sweet Mask's expression shifted slightly, a more focused seriousness settling into his gaze. He paid close attention to S-Class heroes, both their abilities and their sense of duty.
Now, watching Kamui arrive alone amidst a field of wounded and defeated heroes, his interest was fully piqued.
anwhile, J-City's disaster shelters were packed. Most of the city's residents had taken refuge there, while those farther inland had evacuated to safer areas. These shelters, built with imnse funding from the Hero Association, were engineered to withstand even missile attacks. ant for large-scale disasters, they were the last line of defense for civilians.
Inside, Hero Association staff worked tirelessly to calm the anxious and growing crowd. "Please rest assured, everyone. This shelter is extrely secure. An S-Class hero has already arrived on the scene. The monster will be defeated!" They repeated the announcents via gaphones, trying to keep morale from collapsing.
"Are you sure? I heard one S-Class hero has already been defeated…"
"For real? I wonder which S-Class hero showed up. If they lose too, we're dood."
"It depends on who it is. If it's Tornado of Terror, Rank 2, or KING, the strongest man alive, we'll be fine. Though Blast, the top-ranked hero, has been missing for a long ti... Still, there's Kamui, the one who stopped the Dragon-level teor recently. Hopefully, it's him…"
...
Back at the center of the conflict, Deep Sea King suddenly sensed another presence behind him. He turned with a sneer, his predator's instincts already preparing for the next kill.
"Oh? Another brave soldier? Lining up to die one after another, how foolish~" His voice dripped with disdain as he locked eyes with Shinji.
He couldn't help but mock the slim, unimposing figure standing before him. Compared to Puri-Puri Prisoner, who, strange as he was, still had impressive muscle and power, this newcor looked downright fragile.
"..." Shinji said nothing for a mont, his eyes calm and unreadable.
Then, he spoke with quiet clarity. "Didn't you say you liked combos? Then why not try them on ?"
[Alert! Host has exchanged 'Physique 340.' Deducting 340 points. Remaining points: 300!]
[Alert! Host has exchanged 'Hashirama Cells 30.' Deducting 300 points. Remaining points: 0!]
[Physique 340]
[Hashirama Cells 30]
[Current Physique: 1178]
[Hashirama Cells: 60]
[Alert! Host's Hashirama Cell count has reached 40. Reward unlocked: Wood Release: Hell's Chaos!]
[Alert! Host's Hashirama Cell count has reached 60. Reward unlocked: Wood Release: Deep Forest Ergence!]
Shinji had originally only intended to enhance his physical strength, but unexpectedly, the Hashirama Cell infusion unlocked two powerful Wood Release techniques. It was as he had guessed, one by one, more jutsu would awaken, culminating in the ultimate: Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands. His Sage Mode was already prepared, just waiting for the required Hashirama Cell count to trigger the sage-level abilities.
But for now, he had a more imdiate concern, the Deep Sea King.
Without warning, Shinji's body vanished.
"Hm?" Deep Sea King's eyes widened as the figure in front of him disappeared. But before he could even react, a fist smashed into his nose.
What the hell was that?!
He hadn't even seen the strike coming. He hadn't even felt the mont Shinji moved. All he knew was the pain radiating from his face. Instinctively, he launched the sa combo that had defeated Puri-Puri Prisoner, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes ant to overwhelm.
But in front of the Eternal Mangekyō, Deep Sea King's movents looked sluggish. Shinji weaved between the attacks with perfect precision, and every failed swing was t with a swift, brutal counter. It was as if every dodge carried a built-in punishnt.
"Damn you, human!!" Deep Sea King roared in fury, his voice echoing with raw power.
He abruptly expanded his fra, drawing strength from the rain that continued to fall. Then, opening his jaws wide, he spat out a monstrous moray eel covered in glinting, knife-like teeth. The creature lunged toward Shinji.
Without flinching, Shinji unsheathed the Red Night Blade. With a single clean slash, he bisected the creature midair.
At the sa mont, the Deep Sea King's transformation completed. His body bulked up, his limbs swelled with monstrous muscle, and he dropped to all fours. His form had changed from the "Dry" version into the far more dangerous "Wet Sea King."
"My body had shrunk quite a bit on land," he growled, "but this rain has restored my full strength... Even if you are quick, your attacks are nothing to ."
"Is that so?" Shinji replied calmly.
The words had barely left his mouth before he vanished once again.
This ti, Deep Sea King was prepared. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the area. He was stronger now. He was faster. He wouldn't lose sight of that fragile human again. But just then, the world tilted, and his view suddenly shifted downward.
He was falling. No, he had been hit.
"What...?" His mind blanked, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
He hadn't even realized that he'd been decapitated. His severed head tumbled through the air, expression frozen in shock, long before his body hit the ground.
Nor did he know that during their brief clash, Shinji had already placed a Flying Thunder God seal on him, silently, effortlessly.
Another clean and flawless execution of the Flying Thunder Slash.
[Alert! The host has defeated the Demon-level monster "Deep Sea King." Reward: 40 points!]
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