Chapter 43: Revolution Against The CommissionAuthor: Geraint
(3rd Person POV)
On top of a building, a man with a refined appearance watched from a distance as a large crowd gathered in front of the Hero Public Safety Commission.
He had slicked-back hair with a curled forelock and sported a handlebar mustache with a well-groomed, medium-sized beard. Thick black lines surrounded his eyes, drawn on with a marker to resemble eyeliner.
His outfit was equally extravagant: a dark purple jacket with large collars and coattails, loose pinstriped pants, and two belts. He also wore cuffs, purple gloves, and a woolly scarf in matching colors. A cane accompanied him wherever he walked.
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"Now, what are you going to do, Public Safety Commission?" he said, sipping his tea. "You people are no heroes."
He watched the furious citizens as they protested:
"Return our tax money, you murderers!"
"We're paying you to save people, not kill them!"
"Corruption is unforgivable! Give us back our tax money!"
"Prosecution, not execution!"
The area was barricaded by police. Only a few Pro Heroes were stationed nearby, trying to calm the crowd—but they were vastly outnumbered, as most of the heroes were guarding Tartaros. The heroes present looked visibly terrified of the crowd, and some protesters were throwing objects at them, including cans and bottles filled with paint.
Several police officers joined the protesters, making the heroes' job even harder.
"This is wonderful! Everything is going according to his plan!" the man exclaimed, spreading his arms and breathing deeply.
Behind him sat a very short young woman, busily working on her laptop. She had a large, round head compared to her narrow body and wore her raspberry-pink hair in two thick, high pigtails that curved upward and fell to her waist. Her face was dominated by large, hypnotic eyes with dark rings underneath and heart-shaped pupils.
She wore an elaborate outfit: a large white bow at her neck, matching thick gloves, an indigo shirt with frilly cuffs, and white pinstriped pants that puffed out dramatically. Her look was accented by heart motifs—heart earrings, belt buckles, and even a wide heart design on her pants. She wore dark tights under her pants and shiny high-heeled boots.
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"Mr. Gentle, I've already spread the information across all social media platforms in the country," she said enthusiastically.
"Let's see how the commission responds. Good job, La Brava!" Gentle Criminal gave her a thumbs-up.
"I'm so happy I could help you~♥" La Brava beamed.
As Gentle Criminal patted her head, he recalled the conversation he had with Ichika a few days earlier in a small tea shop.
– Flashback –
Ichika sat across from Gentle, wearing a hooded coat over a formal suit, hiding his face.
"To think the famous singer and musician would meet me in person... Nice to meet you, Fujiwara Ichika. I'm Gentle Criminal. I'm actually a big fan of your music."
"Gentle… no. Tobita Danjuro."
Gentle stiffened at the mention of his real name.
"What…?"
Ichika glanced at another table.
"And your assistant, hiding at the other table—Aiba Manami. Don't be shy. Come join us."
La Brava, disguised and startled, trembled as she was discovered.
"Hie~!"
She quickly ran and hid behind Gentle Criminal.
"Don't be scared. Here—order whatever you like." Ichika handed her the menu.
"You're too suspicious if you show up here without ordering anything." He smiled warmly.
Gentle narrowed his eyes.
"What do you want?"
Ichika's smile turned into a smirk, sending a chill down Gentle's spine.
"I'll be direct. I want you two to work with me."
"Huh?"
Gentle's eyes widened. Ichika pulled out a thick folder and set it on the table.
"What is this?"
"Open it. I want you to spread this across every social media platform."
Gentle's face turned pale as he skimmed the contents.
"These are—!"
La Brava peeked into the folder and immediately looked away, horrified.
"Ugh! How gruesome!"
"The hidden darkness of the Hero Public Safety Commission," Ichika explained calmly, sipping his tea. "They kill without prosecution to protect their heroes' image."
Sweat dripped from Gentle's brow as his long-held admiration for heroes cracked. La Brava looked frightened.
"Why us? Can't you just do it yourself?"
"I can't. At the same time you're spreading this information, I'll be fighting the top Pro Heroes at Tartaros' entrance. I'll create a massive distraction while you two spark a revolution against the commission."
Gentle hesitated.
"Isn't that suicide? Going against every Pro Hero in the country?!"
"I can do it—because it's me." Ichika grinned confidently.
"What do you mean, 'you'?"
"Captain Falcon."
"Huh?"
"I said, I'm Captain Falcon."
Gentle's heart skipped a beat. That name… the vigilante admired by many, known for standing up to injustice without ever becoming a Pro Hero. A symbol of hope for people like him.
"C-Captain Falcon…?"
"Gentle…" La Brava said softly.
"Yeah, it's me. Just without the costume."
Ichika gave him a salute.
After that meeting, Gentle Criminal agreed to help—out of admiration, and revived hope.
– End Flashback –
"Gentle… are you sure this is okay?" La Brava asked, worried.
"Don't worry. Our job is done here. Let's believe in Falcon."
"Did you just say Falcon?"
Sir Nighteye's voice suddenly rang out from behind them. Several police officers surrounded them, rifles raised.
Gentle raised his hands along with La Brava.
"Gentle! I told you we shouldn't have trusted that guy!" La Brava panicked.
"Wait! We didn't—"
Before Gentle could finish, Sir Nighteye coldly gave the order:
"Arrest them."
Both Gentle and La Brava were tackled and handcuffed behind their backs.
Sir Nighteye adjusted his glasses.
"That kid…" he muttered, watching the chaos erupt below.
The protests had become a riot. People were smashing things, throwing torches, and pushing back the police barricades.
"Get out here and face the consequences, you murderers!"
"You killed my uncle!"
"Come out, you bastards!"
The remaining Pro Heroes stood frozen, overwhelmed by the anger of the people.
Gentle Criminal and La Brava were dragged away toward the police station.
(To be continued.)