The next morning, Zororo woke to find himself trending on every major social media platform. Videos of his duel with Kazuki had been viewed millions of times. Analysts debated his techniques. Conspiracy theorists speculated about government cover-ups. And his school mailbox was flooded with hundreds of messages ranging from fan mail to death threats.
He ignored most of it, focusing instead on the government registration appointment scheduled for today.
His sisters had insisted on accompanying him to the Central System Bureau, despite his protests. Now, as they rode in a taxi through downtown Kazekami City, both Akari and Himeko flanked him protectively.
"You don't have to come," Zororo said for the third time. "This is just a formality."
"A formality that could determine your entire future," Himeko countered. "We're not letting you face government bureaucrats alone. They'll try to intimidate you or manipulate you into restrictions you don't need."
"Plus, we're your family," Akari added, squeezing his hand. "We stick together, especially when things get complicated."
The Central System Bureau was an imposing government building in the heart of the city twenty stories of reinforced concrete, steel, and high-tech security systems designed to contain or suppress any system user who became dangerous. Energy barriers shimmered visibly around the structure, and armed guards patrolled the perimeter.
They passed through multiple security checkpoints, each one scanning their systems and identity. Zororo noticed how guards' hands moved toward weapons when his villain system registered on their scanners. Fear was the automatic response to his power type.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT DETECTED]
[MULTIPLE SUPPRESSION FIELDS ACTIVE]
[YOUR ABILITIES ARE REDUCED BY 30% WITHIN THIS BUILDING]
[RECOMMEND: AVOID CONFLICT]
They were led to a waiting room on the fifteenth floor. The space was deliberately sterile and uncomfortable hard chairs, bright fluorescent lighting, and walls that were probably reinforced with anti-system materials.
After twenty minutes, a stern-looking man in an official uniform entered. He was middle-aged with graying hair, sharp eyes, and an aura that suggested significant power.
"Zororo Kurogami? I'm Director Tanaka, head of High-Risk System Evaluation. Please follow me. Your family can wait here."
"They're coming with me," Zororo said firmly.
"That's irregular"
"I'm a minor. I have the legal right to family presence during official evaluations." Zororo had researched the regulations thoroughly. "Unless you're charging me with a crime?"
Director Tanaka's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Very well. This way."
They were led to an evaluation chamber a large circular room with observation windows, monitoring equipment, and what looked like a combat arena. Several other officials waited inside, all wearing various scanner and analysis devices.
"Zororo Kurogami, you are here for mandatory SSS-Rank system evaluation," Director Tanaka began formally. "This process will assess your power level, ability scope, psychological profile, and threat classification. You are required to cooperate fully and honestly. Deception or resistance will result in immediate detention. Do you understand?"
"I understand," Zororo replied calmly, though his heart was racing.
"First, system identification. State your full system designation."
Zororo hesitated. Revealing everything meant permanent government records that could be used against him. But lying would be detected and make things worse.
"SSS-Rank Villain System," he said clearly. "Type: Shadow Monarch. Primary elements: darkness, shadow manipulation, spatial control."
Murmurs rippled through the officials. Even having expected it, hearing confirmation of an SSS-Rank Villain System was shocking.
"Shadow Monarch variant," one analyst whispered to another. "That's the legendary command-type villain system. He can potentially control armies of shadow creatures."
Director Tanaka continued. "Current level?"
"Twenty-two."
More shocked murmurs. Level twenty-two at seventeen years old with an SSS-Rank system was unprecedented growth speed.
"How did you awaken this system?" another official asked.
This was trickier. Zororo couldn't explain reincarnation or his previous life as Nanzi. He needed a believable cover story.
"During my illness three months ago," Zororo said. "I was unconscious for several days. When I woke, the system had activated. I suspect it was always dormant within me, triggered by near-death experience."
It was close enough to truth his soul transfer during the original Zororo's collapse had indeed triggered the villain system activation.
"Convenient," Director Tanaka said skeptically. "And your rapid growth? Most system users take years to reach level twenty. You did it in three months."
"My system has accelerated growth mechanics. Completing missions and defeating strong opponents yields significant experience."
"Missions?" An analyst leaned forward. "Your system assigns you missions? What kind?"
Zororo chose his words carefully. "Tasks that test my abilities and strategic thinking. Nothing illegal or harmful to civilians."
"Can you provide examples?"
"Defeat enemies, protect allies, develop new techniques. Standard system objectives."
It wasn't a complete lie his missions had included those elements, even if the system framed them as villain activities.
"I see." Director Tanaka didn't look convinced but moved on. "Now we test your abilities. Demonstrate your primary techniques against our combat simulations."
The arena activated, generating holographic opponents first basic level-ten enemies, then progressively stronger ones. Zororo demonstrated Shadow Step, Shadow Blade, Shadow Aegis, and carefully controlled versions of his other abilities.
He deliberately avoided showing his most powerful techniques Abyssal Dominion, Shadow Monarch's Judgment, and his full shadow army capabilities. Those were trump cards he wouldn't reveal unless absolutely necessary.
Even holding back, the officials looked impressed and intimidated by his combat prowess.
"Exceptional technique execution," one analyst noted. "His shadow manipulation is precise enough for surgical applications. Speed and mobility are S-Rank equivalent."
After an hour of testing, they moved to psychological evaluation. A woman with kind eyes but a penetrating gaze sat across from Zororo Dr. Sato, the Bureau's chief psychological assessor.
"Zororo, I need to ask you some difficult questions," she began gently. "There's no right or wrong answers. I'm simply trying to understand your mindset. Can you tell me what being a villain means to you?"
Zororo considered carefully. This was a trap question designed to reveal dangerous ideologies.
"Being a villain doesn't mean being evil," Zororo said slowly. "It means operating outside conventional heroic frameworks. Heroes follow rules and social expectations. Villains prioritize results and pragmatic solutions. I choose who deserves my loyalty and protection, then do whatever is necessary to keep them safe even if it means bending rules or confronting authority."
"So you'd break laws to protect people you care about?"
"Wouldn't you? If someone you loved was in danger and the law prevented you from helping them, would you really just accept it?"
Dr. Sato smiled slightly. "Fair point. What about hurting innocent people? Would your system ever demand that?"
"My system rewards certain behaviors, but it doesn't control my choices. I decide my actions. And I have no interest in hurting innocent people." Zororo met her eyes directly. "My villain system makes me powerful, not evil. Those are different things."
"Many previous villain system users became violent criminals."
"Many gun owners never hurt anyone. The tool doesn't determine the outcome the person wielding it does."
Dr. Sato made notes, her expression thoughtful. "You're remarkably self-aware for someone your age. Most seventeen-year-olds with this much power would be more... volatile."
"I died once already," Zororo said, the words slipping out before he could stop them. "That gives you perspective on what matters."
He immediately regretted the admission. Dr. Sato's eyes sharpened.
"You died once already? What do you mean?"
Zororo scrambled for a recovery. "Metaphorically. During my illness, I was clinically dead for several minutes. The experience changed how I view life and power."
"I see." Dr. Sato didn't look entirely convinced but moved on. "Let's discuss your relationships. You're dating Yukari Shirogane, correct?"
"Yes."
"A member of one of the most powerful system user families in the region. Some might suggest you're using her for political protection."
"Some would be wrong," Zororo replied coldly. "I care about Yukari deeply. Our relationship has nothing to do with political maneuvering."
"Yet it's convenient timing starting a relationship right when you revealed an SSS-Rank system that would normally make you a social pariah."
Zororo felt anger rising but controlled it. "Yukari knew about my system before anyone else. She chose to trust me despite the risks. That's not convenience that's courage and genuine connection."
Dr. Sato smiled approvingly. "Good answer. I believe you're sincere." She made final notes. "My evaluation is complete. Director Tanaka will inform you of the results."
They returned to the main evaluation room where all officials had gathered to deliberate. Director Tanaka stood at the head of the table, reviewing compiled data.
"Zororo Kurogami, we've completed your assessment," he announced formally. "Despite your SSS-Rank Villain System, we find no evidence of criminal intent or immediate threat to public safety. Therefore, you are classified as Monitored Individual, Category B."
"What does that mean?" Himeko demanded.
"It means he's free to live normally but with restrictions. Monthly check-ins with a assigned handler, required reporting of any major power increases, and prohibited from leaving Kazekami City without authorization." Director Tanaka looked directly at Zororo. "It also means we'll be watching you closely. One misstep, one criminal act, and your freedom ends immediately. Understood?"
"Understood," Zororo agreed.
"However" Director Tanaka's expression shifted slightly, "we're also offering you an opportunity. The government is developing a special program for high-potential system users. Elite training, access to advanced resources, and eventual employment in dangerous roles that standard heroes can't handle. Your unique abilities would be valuable for missions requiring... unconventional approaches."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[RECRUITMENT OFFER DETECTED]
[GOVERNMENT WISHES TO UTILIZE YOUR VILLAIN ABILITIES FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES]
[OPTIONAL MISSION: GOVERNMENT AGENT PATH]
[REWARD: OFFICIAL PROTECTION, ADVANCED RESOURCES, LEGAL IMMUNITY]
[RISK: LOSS OF FREEDOM, MANDATORY DANGEROUS MISSIONS]
"I need time to think about it," Zororo said carefully.
"You have two weeks to decide. After that, the offer expires." Director Tanaka handed him documents. "Your registration is complete. Your handler will contact you within three days. Welcome to the monitored community, Zororo Kurogami."
They were escorted out of the building, finally stepping back into sunlight and fresh air. Zororo felt like he'd been holding his breath for hours.
"That went better than expected," Akari said, relief evident in her voice.
"They're offering to make you a government agent," Himeko observed. "That's actually prestigious. Dangerous, but prestigious."
Zororo's phone buzzed. A message from the mysterious number that had contacted him before:
"Congratulations on surviving your evaluation. Now you see why proper mentorship is crucial the government will try to control you, use your power for their purposes. I can teach you to remain free while growing stronger. Meet me tomorrow at midnight. Abandoned warehouse district, sector seven. Come alone. - Your Fellow Shadow Walker"
Another message immediately followed:
"P.S. - The government's offer is a trap. Accept it, and you'll become their weapon, nothing more. Think carefully before choosing servitude over sovereignty."
Zororo stared at the messages. Two paths were now clear before him government agent with official protection but restricted freedom, or independent villain with mentorship from someone who understood his system but unknown loyalties.
Both offered power and resources.
Both carried significant risks.
And his choice would determine the trajectory of his entire future.
"You okay?" Yukari's voice made him jump. She'd appeared beside him, having waited outside the Bureau.
"Yeah. Just processing." Zororo pocketed his phone. "Things are getting complicated fast."
"Welcome to life as a publicly known SSS-Rank user," Yukari said wryly. "Complicated becomes your new normal."
She was right.
But as they walked together through the city, Zororo realized he wouldn't face these complications alone anymore.
He had allies, friends, family, and someone who might become something more than a fake girlfriend.
Whatever path he chose, he'd walk it with people who cared about him.
[END OF CHAPTER 21]