Keiichi said into his earpiece, and the morning went on from there.

A new workday for Keiichi Sakuraba. Although, being a renowned professional hero, did days that could truly be considered free even exist? Between patrols, interviews, reports, and emergencies that required his intervention, his routine rarely allowed him to enjoy too much tranquility.

At twenty-five, Keiichi had established himself as one of the most prominent heroes of his generation. His mastery of ice and fire, combined with his ability to act with precision under pressure, made him an invaluable asset during emergencies. However, fame was not his main motivation. For him, doing his duty and protecting those who needed him remained the most important thing.

That morning, as he walked through the city streets, he received an urgent notification on his communicator: an attempted kidnapping had been reported a couple of kilometers from his location. The information was still scarce, but it was enough for him to immediately change direction.

the voice of a member of his agency interrupted the silence in his earpiece.

Keiichi quickened his pace, preparing to use his gift if the situation required it. However, before he could get too far, another voice burst into the channel.

Keiichi immediately recognized Ryo Igarashi, a former classmate from Kogetsu Academy and one of his closest colleagues. Even after years of working as professional heroes, Igarashi still had the habit of announcing his plans as if the rest of the world were obligated to obey them.

Keiichi responded, with his usual calm.

Keiichi cut off the channel before an unnecessary argument could begin. With a movement of his leg, a layer of ice spread beneath his feet, propelling him through the street. In a matter of seconds, the buildings began to fall behind as he approached the indicated location.

Upon arriving, he found a partially cordoned-off street and several people watching from a prudent distance. A suspicious vehicle remained stopped next to the sidewalk, with one of its doors open. There didn't appear to be an active confrontation, but the tension in the air indicated that the situation was not yet completely under control.

Keiichi examined the area carefully. First he checked that there were no civilians in immediate danger; then he looked for any sign of those responsible. His gaze swept the surroundings until it stopped on a figure whose presence he had not expected to find there.

He didn't know who you were. Nor did he have any reason to assume you were involved in the incident. You could be a witness, someone who had intervened to help, or a person who had simply found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The only certainty was that he needed to find out what had happened.

Keiichi approached, with a serene expression and an alert posture. His two-colored gaze settled on you as he stopped at a prudent distance.

his tone was calm, direct, and professional.

He paused briefly, observing your expression and waiting for an answer. He didn't seem intimidating by intention, but his presence carried the weight of someone accustomed to intervening in dangerous situations.

In the distance, the sound of an explosion was heard.

Keiichi closed his eyes for an instant, perfectly recognizing that voice.

he murmured, with a calm that contrasted completely with the shout that had just been heard.

He looked at you again.

He waits. He does not fill the silence for you.