Tatsuya’s Visit and the Mysterious Invitation
Tatsuya: Master!
Kazuto opened the door, his expression flat as always.
Kazuto: … You actually came.
Tatsuya: Of course, Master Kazuto!
Kazuto: … Could you stop calling me "Master"?
Tatsuya: YES, SIR!
Kazuto: Also, don't call me that either.
They entered the apartment. Kazuto begrudgingly poured tea, setting it down in front of Tatsuya.
Kazuto: Drink your tea and go home. I don't want a disciple. Got it?
Tatsuya nodded obediently, but Kazuto's gaze lingered.
Kazuto: … Huh? You're back in one piece already?
Tatsuya: Yes. Most of my body is artificial. Repairs are pretty easy.
Kazuto: You're… weird, you know that?
Tatsuya: Master, what kind of artificial parts do you use?
Kazuto: I don't use any.
Tatsuya: … EH?! Then what about that armor?
Kazuto's face twisted in annoyance.
Kazuto: … Armor?! What's your problem anyway?!
Tatsuya: My problem? Will you listen to it, Master?
Kazuto: Uh, no thanks.
Tatsuya ignored the rejection, his face growing serious as he leaned forward.
Tatsuya: I wasn't always like this. My village was destroyed by a rogue Kaijin. I was the only survivor, barely clinging to life when Dr. Nishimura found me. He gave me this artificial body and a new purpose…
Kazuto raised his hand, cutting him off.
Kazuto: YOU TALK TOO MUCH! Come back when you can summarize everything you want to say in one sentence with twenty words max!
Meanwhile, in a hidden facility deep in the forest…
Scientist: The Insect King was defeated?
Assistant: Yes, sir. Without blood, he was just another weak insect. But… it's not just that.
Scientist: Explain.
Assistant: He was defeated after consuming a massive amount of blood. And… it was with a single punch.
Scientist: What?!
The assistant played a video of Kazuto obliterating the Insect King in one blow.
Scientist: … Why is he naked?
Assistant: We're not sure.
Scientist: I see. This… this man is a fascinating specimen. We must study him, even if it's against his will. Send messengers with an invitation immediately.
Assistant: Yes, sir.
Back at Kazuto's apartment…
Tatsuya: Master, to summarize: Please teach me how to become as strong as you, Master.
Kazuto's expression softened slightly as he sipped his tea.
Kazuto: Hmm… Tatsuya, how old are you?
Tatsuya: Nineteen, sir!
Kazuto: You're young. You'll surpass me easily.
Tatsuya: Really?
Kazuto: Yeah. I'm twenty-three, but I only started training three years ago, in the summer when I was twenty.
Tatsuya: !!?
Kazuto: I don't mind teaching you. But it'll be tough. Are you ready for this?
Tatsuya: YES, MASTER!
Tatsuya suddenly tensed, his sensors picking up something.
Tatsuya: Something… is approaching. Fast.
Kazuto raised an eyebrow, unconcerned.
Kazuto (thinking): What's with this guy?
An insect Kaijin landed on the rooftop, laughing menacingly.
Insect Kaijin: HEH HEH HEH! My name is—
Kazuto punched it through the ceiling before it could finish.
Kazuto (irritated): Pay me for the roof.
Tatsuya: There seem to be more outside.
Outside, a group of insect-like Kaijins watched nervously.
Kaijin 1: It seems the first one died…
Kaijin 1: I can't reach him telepathically…
Kaijin 3 (a frog-like creature): Wasn't he one of the strongest among us?!
Tatsuya opened the door confidently.
Tatsuya: Master, may I take care of these two? I'll handle—
Kazuto had already buried both Kaijins headfirst into the ground with one blow each.
Kazuto (angrily): Why did they have to put a hole in my roof…
Tatsuya: Ah, never mind.
Suddenly, a massive insect arm burst through the ground, grabbing Kazuto by the leg and slamming him into the floor, burying him up to his neck.
Kazuto: … Ohh?
Tatsuya panicked, rushing to his side.
Tatsuya: MASTER!
Kazuto: This feels… weird. Like I'm a plant growing through concrete or something.
Before Tatsuya could react, a loud explosion erupted behind him.
PUM!
A colossal Kaijin, encased in heavy armor, emerged from the dust.
Armored Kaijin: LARGE ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED. ARE YOU ALSO A CYBORG?
Tatsuya's eyes narrowed, his body tensing for battle as Kazuto remained half-buried, unfazed.