Daichi vs Molecule

Tracking Hikaru's Location

The Elements moved swiftly through the mountain terrain, following Daichi's lead as he tracked Molecule's trail.

Daichi had spent years living in the mountains, and his connection to the Element of Earth allowed him to sense even the smallest disturbances in the ground.

"He didn't get far," Daichi muttered.

Haruto's jaw clenched. "If that bastard hurt Hikaru, I swear—"

Reito's voice was calm but firm. "We focus on getting Hikaru first. Then, we deal with Molecule."

Ikazuchi cracked his knuckles. "Fine by me."

Moriya simply nodded.

Then—Daichi stopped.

"They're close."

The others immediately tensed.

Hikaru was near.

And so was Molecule.

Hikaru's Condition

Inside the abandoned facility, Hikaru sat slumped against the wall, still bound by the glowing cuffs.

His body ached, bruises forming from Molecule's earlier interrogation.

His breath was slow but steady.

Molecule stood nearby, his arms crossed, watching Hikaru with amusement.

"You don't break easy," Molecule admitted. "That's good. Sinister X likes a challenge."

Hikaru lifted his head slightly, glaring. "I don't know who the hell that is… but tell him to kiss my ass."

Molecule chuckled. "Oh, trust me. You'll meet him soon enough."

Then—

BOOM!

The ground shook violently.

Molecule's smirk faded.

Hikaru's eyes widened.

That's…

The wall exploded, and a massive stone fist crashed through the structure, sending debris flying.

Through the dust and rubble, a strong, unwavering voice echoed—

"LET HIM GO."

Molecule turned—and saw Daichi standing in the wreckage.

Behind him, the other Elements rushed in, immediately moving toward Hikaru.

Molecule grinned.

"So, you finally caught up."

Daichi cracked his knuckles.

"Let's settle this."

Daichi vs. Molecule

The two powerhouses clashed immediately.

Molecule expanded his size, his fist growing massive as he swung at Daichi.

BOOM!

Daichi barely dodged, rolling to the side as the ground shattered from the impact.

Molecule grinned. "What's wrong, mountain man? Too slow?"

Daichi didn't answer.

Instead, he stomped his foot, and the earth beneath Molecule cracked—jagged stone pillars erupted upward, forcing him to retreat.

Molecule shrunk instantly, slipping between the gaps—before enlarging again, slamming his foot down.

BOOM!

A shockwave rippled through the battlefield.

At first, it seemed like Molecule was overpowering Daichi—his unpredictable size shifts made it difficult for Daichi to land a direct hit.

Every time Daichi attacked—Molecule would shrink, dodge, or grow larger to counter.

But Daichi was patient.

He wasn't just attacking blindly.

He was watching. Learning.

Then—he saw it.

Daichi's Counterattack

Molecule grew in size again, preparing to slam Daichi into the ground.

But this time—Daichi was ready.

Instead of dodging—

He stomped the ground with full force, causing a massive fissure to open beneath them.

Molecule's balance faltered.

And in that split second of hesitation—

Daichi made his move.

He slammed his fist into the ground again, and thick stone shackles shot up from the earth, wrapping around Molecule's limbs.

Molecule's eyes widened. "What—?!"

Daichi gritted his teeth.

"You rely too much on size."

With a mighty stomp, he twisted the stone shackles—and slammed Molecule into the ground.

BOOM!

Dust and debris exploded into the air.

Molecule struggled, but Daichi kept the pressure tight.

"You're not the only one who knows how to control mass," Daichi said, his voice firm.

For the first time—Molecule was losing ground.

Meanwhile – The Rescue

As Daichi battled Molecule, the others rushed to free Hikaru.

Haruto kneeled beside him. "Hang in there."

Reito examined the cuffs around Hikaru's wrists. "These aren't normal restraints."

Moriya placed a hand on the metal. "They're dampening his abilities."

Ikazuchi charged his hand with electricity. "Let's break them."

Hikaru smirked weakly. "Don't zap me in the process."

Ikazuchi grinned. "No promises."

The others worked quickly, trying to free Hikaru before it was too late.

Because even though Daichi was winning now—

They all knew one thing.

Molecule wasn't going down that easily.

And Sinister X?

This was only the beginning.