Chapter 45

Ace cruises through the bustling streets of New York City on his sleek Trychaser 2000 motorcycle, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. As the wind whips through his hair, he can't help but feel a sense of purpose coursing through him.

Earlier, while working his shift at Pole Pole Café, Ace had been discreetly asking the customers if they'd heard of any incidents targeting small businesses in the neighborhood. The responses he received were both concerning and illuminating.

One elderly woman, her brow furrowed with worry, shared her story. "My daughter's bakery down on 5th Street, it was vandalized just last week. The windows were smashed, and they stole all the cash from the register. The police said it was just a random act of vandalism, but I know better."

Ace nodded solemnly, his grip tightening on the handlebars. "Did your daughter report anything suspicious before the incident?"

The woman's eyes narrowed. "Well, now that you mention it, there was this group of men who had been coming around, trying to convince her to sell the place. They said it was a 'great opportunity,' but she refused. And then, just a few days later, this happens."

Ace's jaw tightened. "I see. Thank you for sharing this with me. I'll make sure to look into it further."

As the woman nodded and turned her attention back to her coffee, Ace's mind raced with the implications. It seemed like a clear pattern was emerging – small businesses being targeted, often after refusing offers to sell their properties. The common thread was too obvious to ignore.

Now, as Ace navigates the bustling streets, he keeps a keen eye out for any suspicious activity. He knows that the key to unraveling this mystery lies in the details, in the seemingly innocuous incidents that could hold the clues he needs.

Suddenly, Ace spots a commotion up ahead, near a quaint little café. He revs the engine of the Trychaser and speeds towards the scene, determined to investigate further.

As he approaches, he sees a group of men in suits, their posture aggressive and their expressions menacing. They seem to be confronting the café owner, who looks visibly shaken.

Ace parks the bike and strides towards the confrontation, his expression hardening. "Excuse me, is everything alright here?"

The men in suits turn to face him, their eyes narrowing. "This is none of your business, kid. Move along."

Ace stands his ground, his voice calm but firm. "I'm afraid I can't do that. It looks like you're harassing this business owner, and that's something I won't stand for."

The lead man scoffs, taking a step towards Ace. "You've got a lot of nerve, kid. You have no idea who you're messing with."

Ace meets his gaze, unwavering. "I think I have a pretty good idea. And I'm not going anywhere until you leave this place and stop threatening these people."

The tension in the air is palpable as the two men stare each other down, the fate of the café owner hanging in the balance.

The lead man sneers at Ace, "You asked for it, kid." He nods to his associates, who immediately advance on Ace, their fists clenched.

Ace shifts his stance, ready to defend himself. "I warned you," he says calmly.

The first man swings a heavy punch towards Ace's head, but Ace ducks under it effortlessly. He counters with a sharp jab to the man's ribs, causing him to double over in pain.

Another thug rushes Ace, throwing a flurry of blows. Ace weaves through the attacks, his movements fluid and precise. He grabs the man's outstretched arm, twisting it behind his back and shoving him to the ground.

The lead man growls in frustration, "Get him!" His remaining cronies converge on Ace, but the young man is unfazed.

Ace blocks a punch, then sweeps the attacker's legs out from under him. He pivots, dodging another strike and retaliating with a devastating kick to the man's midsection.

The café owner watches in awe as Ace effortlessly dispatches his assailants one by one. "How is he doing that?" the owner mutters.

Ace's physique has indeed grown stronger through his transformations into Kuuga. His muscles ripple as he moves, his reflexes lightning-fast. He weaves between the thugs, countering their attacks with powerful strikes of his own.

One man tries to grab Ace from behind, but Ace simply grabs his arm, flips him over his shoulder, and slams him to the ground. The man lies there, groaning in pain.

The lead thug, seeing his men falling, begins to back away. "This isn't over, kid," he spits.

Ace steps forward, his expression stern. "I think it is." He lunges forward, grabbing the man by the collar and yanking him close. "Leave this place and don't come back. Understand?"

The thug nods frantically, his bravado shattered. Ace releases him, and the man scurries away, his remaining cronies limping after him.

Ace turns to the café owner, his features softening. "Are you alright?"

The owner nods, still processing what he just witnessed. "Y-yes, thanks to you. Who are you?"

"A friend."

Detective Yuri Watanabe suddenly bursts through the café door, her expression stern. "Freeze!" she commands, her hand on the holster of her service weapon.

Ace raises his hands calmly, not wanting to escalate the situation.

The café owner quickly interjects, "Officer, this young man just saved us from those thugs. He's not a criminal."

Yuri's brow furrows as she takes in the scene, the overturned tables and the groaning men on the floor. She turns to Ace, her expression softening slightly. "Alright, then what happened here?"

Ace explains how the group of men had been harassing the café and how he had stepped in to protect the owner and the patrons. Yuri listens intently, her gaze shifting between Ace and the owner.

When Ace finishes, Yuri nods slowly. "I see. Well, I'm glad no one was seriously hurt." She pauses, her eyes meeting Ace's. "But you know you shouldn't be taking the law into your own hands like that. You could have been seriously injured."

Ace nods, understanding her concern. "I know, Detective. But I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. These people needed help."

Yuri sighs, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "I appreciate you wanting to help, but leave the heroics to the professionals, okay?"

Detective Yuri Watanabe fixed Ace with a stern gaze. "These men are part of a larger criminal organization I've been investigating. They're dangerous, and I don't want you or anyone else getting caught in the crossfire."

Ace listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I didn't realize they were connected to something bigger. I just wanted to help."

Yuri nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I know, and I appreciate that. But this is police business now. Let us handle it from here."

She turns to the café owner. "Make sure you file an official report with the precinct. I'll look into this."

The owner nods gratefully. "Thank you, Detective. And thank you..." He looks at Ace, a newfound respect in his eyes.

"Ace," the young man supplies, offering the owner a small smile.

Yuri nods to Ace. "Keep yourself out of trouble, Ace." With that, she turns and strides out of the café, her footsteps echoing in the sudden silence.

Ace watched as Detective Watanabe strode out of the café, her words echoing in his mind. He knew he couldn't simply stand by and let her handle this alone, not when he had the power to make a difference.

Ace's gaze hardened with determination. He couldn't help as Ace, but as Kamen Rider, he could lend his strength to Yuri's investigation. Slipping away from the café, Ace made his way to a secluded alley, his fingers tightening around the Arcle belt at his waist.

"Henshin!" he called out, feeling the familiar rush of energy as he transformed into the armored warrior, Kamen Rider Kuuga. With his enhanced abilities, Ace knew he could provide the support Yuri needed to take down this criminal organization.

***

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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz