Psykos disconnected her neural link with Gyoro Gyoro and slumped onto the lab's sofa. She pressed her fingers against her aching temples and let out a slow breath.
"Honestly, even though he is far more dangerous than Orochi, he is completely uncontrollable," she muttered. There was no real frustration in her tone, only a strange excitement.
She rose and walked to the control panel, bringing up surveillance footage from the control room. On the screen, Sol stood still, yet the pressure radiating from him felt suffocating even through the display.
"That just makes it more interesting," Psykos said, her lips curling into a smile as her eyes gleamed with obsession. "The stronger he is, the harder he is to control. That challenge is perfect. If monsterification truly succeeds on him, what a sight that will be."
She drifted deeper into her thoughts, her fingers tapping lightly against the console.
Sol closed his eyes, his awareness sinking into a crimson mental space. Through resonance, his voice entered the minds of Muzan and the other demons.
"The Association's higher-ups are corrupt. Do not follow their direct orders. Pass this message only to trustworthy S-Class heroes. On the final day of the Martial Arts Tournament, the Monster Association will attack Z-City."
Far away, Muzan came to a halt, his crimson eyes flickering. He turned toward Kokushibo behind him.
"The Ancestor has spoken. Inform everyone to avoid the Association's higher-ups and deliver the warning to reliable S-Class heroes like Silver Fang."
Kokushibo's six eyes shifted at once. "Details?"
"When the tournament begins, the attack will happen on the final day," Muzan replied. "We must be careful about who receives this information."
Akaza clenched his fist. "Those officials were never trustworthy."
Daki gave a small scoff. "Some heroes are decent, like that old man with the silver hair."
Gyuutarou tugged at her sleeve. "Better not take risks."
Muzan issued orders. "Kokushibo, contact Bang. Akaza, find Metal Bat. Daki and Gyuutarou, notify Tanktop Master. Avoid surveillance at all costs."
The demons acknowledged him and disappeared into the night.
Inside a worn tea room at the dojo, Bang sat alone, quietly drinking tea. A familiar, chilling presence crept into the room. From the shadows, Kokushibo appeared, his six eyes faintly glowing.
"Silver Fang," he said, voice steady. "The Ancestor has a message."
Bang set his cup down, his gaze sharpening. "Speak."
"During the Martial Arts Tournament, the Monster Association will attack Z-City on the final day," Kokushibo said. "The Association's higher-ups cannot be trusted."
Bang's hand paused mid-stroke on his beard. A thoughtful look passed through his eyes. "What else did Sol say?"
"Only that the message should reach those who can be trusted," Kokushibo replied as his figure began to fade. "Believe it or not is your choice."
Elsewhere, Metal Bat was training, swinging his bat with force. Akaza appeared nearby, already in a fighting stance.
"Hey! You looking for a fight?" Metal Bat shouted, resting the bat on his shoulder.
Akaza remained composed. "The Ancestor sent a message. Be cautious during the Martial Arts Tournament. The Monster Association will attack on the final day. Do not trust the higher-ups."
Metal Bat paused briefly, then grinned. "I do not know the full story, but tell Sol I appreciate the heads-up."
Similar encounters took place across different locations.
When Muzan approached Tatsumaki, she was floating midair, irritation clear on her face as she noticed him.
"Talk. What does that idiot want now?" she said, crossing her arms. Her tone was sharp, but there was concern in her eyes.
After hearing the message, she clicked her tongue. "Figures. Those monsters would not miss this chance. Tell Sol to watch himself."
Once all messages were delivered, the demons reported back through mental resonance. Standing in the darkness, Sol gave a slight nod.
"Good work. Continue as planned."
On the final day of the Martial Arts Tournament, Z-City's main stadium was overflowing with energy.
The massive circular stands were filled to capacity. At the center, a holographic display rotated, showing the Hero Association's emblem. The crowd roared, their voices rising like a tidal wave.
The arena had been reinforced, with barriers strong enough to withstand S-Class level combat.
Bang sat among the judges, his eyes scanning the venue. He spotted familiar figures among the crowd. Metal Bat sat casually in the front row. Tanktop Master observed quietly from another section. Even Tatsumaki was present in the VIP area, pretending to be uninterested.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals of the first Martial Arts Tournament!" the announcer's voice boomed. "Today, we witness the rise of new powerhouses and possibly a new S-Class hero!"
Bang sat beside Atomic Samurai, Flashy Flash, and other S-Class heroes. Though he stroked his beard calmly, his attention kept drifting toward the entrances.
"Relax," Atomic Samurai said, chewing on a toothpick. "It is just a tournament."
Bang shook his head slightly. "I have a bad feeling about this."
In the audience, Garou sat with his hood up, silver eyes locked on the ring. Not far away, Speed-o'-Sound Sonic leaned against a wall, arms folded, scanning the area.
"First match, Suiryu versus Bakuzan!" the referee announced.
Inside the ring, Suiryu moved effortlessly, dodging Bakuzan's aggressive attacks with smooth precision.
As the match intensified, a sudden explosion echoed from above.
A loud blast tore through the stadium ceiling, leaving a massive opening. Debris rained down as panic spread through the crowd.
Through the dust and smoke, a figure slowly descended into the center of the ring, dark red energy swirling around him.
"Sorry for interrupting," Sol said, his voice steady yet carrying across the entire stadium. "I need to borrow this place for a bit."
Chaos erupted as people rushed toward the exits, only to be stopped by newly activated barriers.
Sol raised a hand, and faint ripples spread across the barrier.
"Relax," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "I am just here to spar with a few old friends. No one else is getting hurt."
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