As Naoko Ishigari and Amari Fuse leapt high into the skies, the air crackled around them. Naoko's hands glowed faintly with gravitational energy, bending invisible fields to ease their flight, while Amari's flames flickered wildly, propelling them with bursts of explosive speed.
Heading southwest toward the source of recent disturbances, the two S-Rank warriors scanned the ruined landscape below. Smoke curled from shattered buildings, and debris littered the streets. Suddenly, Naoko's sharp eyes caught sight of something moving amid the rubble — a figure struggling forward on hands and knees.
"It's Daigo!" Amari exclaimed, spotting their comrade crawling painfully across the cracked asphalt, blood staining his clothes.
"Hold on, we're coming!" Naoko said, steering them downwards to assist.
But just as they landed near Daigo, an enormous fist suddenly surged through Naoko's chest with a sickening impact. The world seemed to slow as her eyes widened in shock and pain. She gasped, staggering backward, clutching at her chest where the burning force had passed right through.
Turning sharply, Amari's flames flared aggressively as they faced the attacker.
Before them stood a towering figure, massive and muscular, clad in a bright yellow mask that hid his face. His powerful frame radiated an overwhelming aura of strength and menace.
Naoko, struggling to stay upright, muttered weakly, "Who… are you?"
The man's voice was cold, echoing with menace as he stepped forward and spoke for the first time:
"Gekido."
Neither Naoko nor Amari recognized the name. There was no time for questions. The tension in the air thickened as this unknown but evidently formidable warrior declared his presence—one who would soon change the course of their mission.
The cliff behind them loomed, silent witness to this ominous arrival.