245. Fuwa Aika vs Mugino Shizuri; Frenda Refused to Go Against Kaito.

An hour after Aika's group had formulated their plan, the ITEM organization gathered at a karaoke box in District 7, having received a mysterious email contain instruction about Kaito's capture plan from the Chairman directly to their phones tonight.

Not only the ITEM group, but also other darkside groups that agreed to join forces to capture Kaito also received the same instructions from Aleister.

Obviously, this instruction was a blatant 'manipulation' by Aleister, who previously agreed to cooperate with the chat group members. Aleister is doing this to make things easier to hunt down the target tonight, and an attempt to contain the damage in Academy City more closely.

However, despite receiving the instruction, most people who received it didn't believe it in the slightest, thinking it was an open conspiracy (which is right). Many of the forces, especially those who have been on the dark side way too long, understood that Aleister, the leader of this city, was someone who would never make such a hasty move without any reason.

"So, the Chairman ordered everyone to make a move tonight against that guy." Mugino Shizuri, who is currently wearing an elegant pink coat, said while sipping on a juice impatiently, "Should we really do it and follow the idea?"

"I am not sure. Let's try to confirm with the other group first." (Kinuhata Saia)

"I don't believe it was the chairman himself making instructions. I smell a trap in it." (Takitsubo Rikou)

"..." (Frenda)

"Everyone is making a good suggestion here, except..." Seeing that it's so unusual for Frenda to be quiet, Mugino raised her eyebrow and asked, "What do you think, Frenda?"

"I... Err... Let's give up the mission."

"Why?!"

"Because... because..." Frenda answered hesitantly, gulped while checking her phone message once again, "Kaito already warned me not to do anything tonight."

????

"Hehe... Not to do anything? So the number 1 was confirmed to cooperate with the Chairman?" Mugino quipped.

"B-Big chance, yes."

Just one hour earlier, before the announcement, Frenda had received a message from Kaito: 'Frenda, I don't want you to get hurt, so please don't do anything.' Seeing such a message actually shook Frenda greatly, especially when Frenda realized the implication that the Chairman of Academy City himself seemed to side with Kaito.

"Mugino... I don't want to continue this mission. I-I feel Kaito is much more dangerous than we thought. We should abandon this mission."

...?!?!

With all the clues, Frenda realizes that it's not a simple capture mission anymore. It might be an event that would uproot many forces in the Academy City, as it was clear with Aleister's stance, the opposing Director wouldn't end well.

Although she only met him once, Frenda trusts her intuition more that Kaito is not something they should be offended by, and this is more apparent with the Chairman itself cooperating with him. On top of that, her instinct also never betrays her, otherwise she wouldn't have survived this long in darkside as low level esper in this city.

Lastly, as a friend, she's also willing to trust Kaito, since Frenda can tell Kaito genuinely cares about her, and she doesn't want to hurt her good friend either. For the past 2 days, Kaito has been chatting with her a lot via online, and both of them have built preliminary trust toward each other.

...

Unfortunately for her, Mugino seems to disdain her opinion and complained, "He's dangerous, and even the Chairman seems acknowledge him. But with so many forces targeting him, I doubt he can get away."

"I heard literally half of the board directors targeting him right now, so it's basically half of the whole city against him... and so many forces also working together."

"But Mugino, we are still not sure about him! I-It's dangerous."

"I know, but what? We also desperately need more money!"

"Hmm! I want to get a new set of cosmetics! We have been running low on money, so financially wise there's no reason to refuse this task!"

"But it's clearly set up from Chairman!"

"Stop being timid, Frenda. It's not like you." Mugino retorted arrogantly, "Even I can tell that instruction must be set up by the Chairman, but I doubt any forces would back down. It's not even about the reward; we also need to consider our reputation in the city."

Mugino knows well that many forces in the Academy City are curious about the mysterious invincible Chairman, and some of them have an idea to conquer this damn city for themselves, especially among the board of directors. Not to mention, there are just too many dark sides joining, and suddenly quitting the mission would make their reputation worse.

Pretty much all ITEM members except Frenda don't want to give up on the mission, making Frenda realize that her persuasion attempt has been futile.

....

"If you insist on doing it, Mugino, I think I will forfeit this mission alone..."

Hearing Frenda plead, Mugino raised her eyebrow and glared at her, "Oh, are you going to be a traitor, Frenda?"

"N-No! I am not leaving the team... I just don't want to participate in this mission anymore!"

"You really dare to disobey me?!"

"No!"

Frenda took a step back as she was scared, knowing well that Mugino doesn't like anyone who attempts to oppose her rule.

"But only a traitor who refuses to do a mission." Mugino looked at Frenda with an unfriendly look, "And you realize that you can't escape the dark side of Academy City once you join."

...!!!

Realizing Mugino would kill her if she dared to leave this room, Frenda became very afraid and nervous about what to do in the situation. Fortunately for Frenda, in that moment, a female voice suddenly came out interrupt their discussion, which distracted all of their attention from her at the moment.

"What a fragile relationship. Are you really a leader of this group, Mugino Shizuri-san?"

...!!!

Looking at the source of the voice that seemed to come from behind her, Mugino and the other ITEM members quickly became alerted and even instantly prepared their stance for a battle. Mugino also quickly turned around and found a pretty woman of her age with long brown hair and purple eyes-- wearing a white sundress and white parasol in the dim Karaoke room, making her look out of place as she stood elegantly, unlike everyone else.

Yeah, Fuwa Aika has been watching the show for a while without them knowing, listening to their conversation before deciding to subdue all of their members... wearing her first official date dress with Kaito.

Naturally, despite her uncanny appearance, none of the ITEM members underestimate her since literally no one even realizes she has been there watching them. What's actually happening is that Aika is using props from Kaito to hide his presence (the umbrella), then using WWU to directly teleport into their 'meeting place' with the information she got from Aleister directly.

"Who are you ?" Mugino asked in anger, "How dare you come here alone, kid?"

"Kid?" Aika chuckles, remembering she's basically been frozen in age since joining the chat group, "I'm actually older than you, but alright."

Aika closed her parasol, raised her skirt hem politely, and introduced herself, "My name is Fuwa Aika. I am the official Kaito-san's girlfriend, and I am here to stop having ideas about him~"

...?!?!

"So you are our target girlfriend, yet you dare to come here alone?!" Mugino sneered, didn't seem to be afraid of Aika's threat, "What's your source of confidence? Are you a space ability user or is it just a property of your boyfriend?"

"Who knows? I just feel unhappy that you guys are hunting my boyfriend for money."Aika then glanced at Frenda and smiled, "Well, except for Frenda."

"Good for you, Frenda-san. Kaito specifically reminded me not to beat you up and keep you safe~."

"Y-Yeah..." Although responding, Frenda couldn't help but be scared of Aika. Based on her woman's intuition, Aika seems quite bothered by the fact that Kaito wanted to save her.

As a woman herself, Frenda knows how scary a jealous woman could be, not to mention this girl is Kaito's girlfriend!

...

"Anyway, I suggest you guys surrender so it wouldn't be forced to beat you up," Aika stated calmly, while quietly putting her umbrella in the inventory.

"Interesting... You didn't know me, girl?" Mugino taunted arrogantly and wasn't afraid of Aika's intimidation at all.

"You are Mugino Shizuri, the former rank 4 level 5 Esper..." Aika snickered, "Pfft... Though now you are number 5th."

"Even if my rank is getting lower, doesn't it mean I am getting weaker, bitch!" Mugino's face quickly became red in anger, getting taunted by Aika instead.

"Ara~ what a sharp mouth. I hope you won't cry when I beat you."

"You know who I am, yet you are expecting me to surrender? Not to mention you are currently surrounded by us?!"

...!!!

After saying that, a bunch of green plasma orbs start appearing beside Mugino, which sends everyone into panic, except for Aika. Those orbs are not just flashy; they are Mugino Shizuri's main ability, which allows her to control the state of electrons so she can create a laser beam deadly enough to melt thick metal walls easily. 

""EEHH?"" (Rest of ITEM)

"Mugino! We shouldn't fight here! AntiSkill wouldn't like it, and we are going to jail!" (Kinuhata Saia)

"Indeed! You would destroy the building if we fight here! Besides that, I couldn't detect her AIM field at all!" (Takitsubo Rikou)

"Shut up! If we capture her, our mission would become much easier! Besides, she's the one who offended us first!" (Mugino Shizuri)

...!!!

Seeing that Mugino was eager to start fighting and currently enraged, her teammate decided to flee from the building. Knowing how deadly their leader's ability is, fighting indoors in a small space would be a very bad idea.

"You really want to start a fight here, Mugino-san?" Aika still looks very relaxed, taunting Mugino even more, despite the atmosphere getting tense, "Are you... dumb?"

"Shut up bitch!"

After seeing all of her teammates leave the space, Mugino then shot multiple laser beams at Aika without hesitation, initiating the fight.

*WOOSH*  *WOOSH*  *WOOSH* 

...!!!

Although it looks scary, Aika easily dashes out of the building and avoids all of it with her mastery of observation haki while Mugino chases her. However, thanks to the attack, the building where they reside and a nearby building were affected by Mugino's simple attack, causing a lot of destruction!!

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

...!!!

"Stop running and fight me back, you coward bitch!" 

Mugino continued chasing Aika out of the building, and didn't intend to let her go. Her laser beam never stops shooting in Aika's direction, but unfortunately, Mugino's target is way too fast for her. 

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

...!!!

Just in a few seconds, more buildings around are getting destroyed in explosion while Aika continues dodging her attack, and even a parking car literally exploded on the road. Aika admits it's exciting to continue taunting this mad woman, but she realizes that it might be too much for the surrounding area to let her continue doing it.

Her dangerous attack also injured nearby civilians and literally caused chaos on the street... but Mugino didn't care and just wanted Aika to be dead!"

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

*BOOM*

Seeing the situation might get much worse the longer it goes, Aika knows she needs to end this as soon as possible. Aika wasn't the type of person who would ignore innocent people, not to mention whether Aleister would be happy if she continue let her do whatever she wanted.

So, in the mid-air split second, Aika decides to stop running from her.

Aika then calls forth her ability, the Exodus magic, and a glowing greatsword instantly appeared in her hand... giving an ominous aura to anyone who sees it.

*DASH*

...!!

"A greatsword?! Interesting bitch!"

Seeing Aika, who was running away, but now rushing at her with such a big sword, Mugino wasn't afraid at all. Seeing this as a chance, Mugino grinned arrogantly and summoned more orbs behind her, "Oh, you want to approach me! Then, try to eat this!!"

*WOOSH* *WOOSH* *WOOSH*

....!!!

Although there are dozens of lasers coming in her direction, Mugino clearly underestimates Aika. With the help of Haki and her Exodus magic now activated, it was easy for Aika to read those projectiles and even slice through those dozen laser beam attacks!

*SLASH* *SLASH* *SLASH*

...!!! 

*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*

Although Mugino's attack is quite deadly and could create an explosion, Aika's Exodus power comes from a tree that can destroy a civilization, hence it was something that a mere neutron laser cannot go against.

"What?! How?!"

Seeing Aika was unharmed by her direct attack quickly made Mugino panic, and she decided to retreat to avoid Aika's pursuit. But... Aika is just way too fast for the number 4 Esper before she can retreat from her.

Fortunately for Mugino Shizuri, Aika didn't intend to kill her at all.

When Aika arrived in front of her face, instead of slashing through her with the sword, she used the side of the sword to slam against Mugino, who tried to protect herself with her hand (futile). 

*BAMM*

...!!!

However, although it looks much more 'safer' than a literal killing stab, the blunt force behind that sideways attack was still enough to blow Mugino away.

*DUAR*

*DUAR*

*DUAR*

...!!

Aika didn't hold back. Mugino literally crashed into a building and got through three buildings before her momentum was stopped.

As Mugino was just slightly stronger than a normal human, naturally, an attack of such caliber ended up severely injuring her. And just like this, Aika easily took out the strongest number 5 Esper in the Academy City without breaking a sweat.

"Mugino-san... is defeated just like that?" (Saia)

"Scary... Kaito-san's girlfriend is a monster..." (Frenda)

"Ara~ Calling me a monster, that's quite rude, Frenda-chan."

"Hieeek! I am so sorry!"

...!!?!?!

Realizing how easily their leader was defeated, all the other ITEM members were terrified. With an uncanny glowing big sword still in her hand, Aika pointed it at them and asked, "Please surrender, I don't want fighting way too long, and your leader might die soon if not getting help."

"Y-Yes, please don't hurt us!" (Rikou)

"We surrender! Don't kill us!" (Saia)

...!!!

Takitsubou Rikou quickly raised her hand, followed by Saia and Frenda hiding behind her, who also expressed surrender to Aika. Unlike Mugino, they weren't stupid enough to fight against Aika, who has been shown to easily beat their leader without much effort.

"Very good, girls." Aika nodded with a smile, then dispelled the Exodus magic, "Now, let's call an ambulance for your leader, otherwise we're gonna need to attend her funeral soon."

Hearing what Aika said, Rikou and Saia acted quickly to save their leader and call in an ambulance. Needless to say, Mugino Shizuri's condition was really bad; her whole body was painted by blood, many of her bones from limbs to cribs were fractured, and even some organs were heavily injured. Without saying, if this happened outside the Academy City, she would ended up 100% dying without Heaven Canceller help.

While Saia and Rikou are doing their best to save their leader, Frenda quietly approaches Aika to get to know her while also wanting to warn her.

"Ano... Aika-sama?"

Aika turned to her and asked, "Yes, Frenda-chan? You didn't want to help your leader to go to hospital?"

Frenda shook her head and asked, "I don't think I can continue to stay in ITEM in the future... Umm... Can you save me?"

"Save? What do you want to do?"

"I want to quit darkside of Academy City..."

"Sure." Aika confirmed, as it was part of the plan, and then teased her, "You were lucky that my boyfriend has a special liking against blonde women."

"Uh... Are you joking, Aika-san?"

"I am not joking, but all you need to know is that you will need to join us from now on... and follow his order."

"Mm... T-Thank you."

Hearing what Aika said, Frenda couldn't help but be speechless, but then she was also grateful that her hair was blonde. Compared to all the weird people she has seen in the dark side, liking blonde hair wasn't a bad kink at all.

"Ano... Aika-san, besides ITEM, many groups wanted to harm Kaito-san." Frenda warned her, "I think we need to warn Kaito-san!"

"No need." Aika just smiled at her and commented, "Of course, we know that, silly girl. So, don't worry about that."

"Let's just say, they were also under attack right now... and we will make sure anyone who dares to aim at our leader will pay the price."

*BOOOM*

...!!!

In that moment, a big explosion happened in another district, big enough to literally cause a mini earthquack to the city... indicating that the other side of the city was also in a precarious situation.

"W-What is that?"

"That must be one of our friends trying to beat up another group." Aika continued to tease her, but Frenda gave her a blank and scared look... realizing that her intuition that Academy City was going to change forever tonight had become a real reality.

"..."

After saying that, multiple continuous big explosions could be heard happening in the city, putting the whole city in a chaotic state. Those explosions were caused by other members who were wreaking havoc in the city against their target. With Aleister's guarantee, they were now not afraid of destroying the city and even having fun!

Now, Aika's main job is done; she has changed her role to commander and is currently watching all of their progress through the broadcast to make sure others are okay and remind them not to affect the civilians