Previously,
"They call themselves 'Dejects', based on the term 'rejects', probably. Despite their name, they couldn't be underestimated, not in the least." Splatoon started explaining as he hauled a few bags of equipment in his pickup. He could've easily manipulated the trolleys and effortlessly arranged the bags but he opted not to. Just like any other professional superhero, he doesn't want to rely on his superpowers alone. He may be a formidable metal manipulator but he could always rely on his strength when the situation calls for it.
"The Dejects?" Plume's eyebrows furrowed, trying hard to remember where she had heard the term. A hazy memory told her she heard the term on a news report a few years ago but she couldn't quite put her finger around it. Needless to say, her knowledge of current events was lacking as a professional superhero.
"You know, that group that has a lot of members. They were quite open with their crimes until recently but now they seemed to disappear from the scene. Of course, there were still a few copycats lingering around, committing crimes under their name." Satoshi briefly explained. "Based on the news, though, it was assumed that they have excellent backing. That's why no one can touch them nor could anyone track their main base of operations."
"Midoriyama Satoshi, right?" Splatoon confirmed, eyeing him from head to toe and causing him to put up his guard since he felt uncomfortable. "You seem to know a lot when it comes to the Dejects, did you research on them as soon as you were briefed of the mission? Or did you know of them beforehand?"
Satoshi nodded once before responding back. "I've been keeping track of all the incidents and major villain organizations ever since I was a kid. It's become a habit. Now I research everything when a new group comes into the scene." Satoshi continued.
"Then... you're probably aware of what the Dejects are up to, right?" Splatoon asked. He was hoping that Satoshi was unaware of it but from the embers in his eyes, he knew outright that his assumption was wrong.
"Yes, illegal smuggling... and it doesn't just involve substances," Satoshi answered.
"That's right. That's why we're getting a move on right now. A reliable source told me that they have an expected shipment tonight, two hours earlier than expected." Splatoon sighed in a crestfallen manner before approaching Satoshi and patting him on the head. "I'm sorry you had to enter the superhero world at this state. We tried our best, but villains are getting better, more structured compared to the past." Splatoon said.
Satoshi nodded. What Splatoon said was right. Unlike in the past, villains are becoming more established than ever. Just like how the superheroes are forming agencies and gathering under organizations, the villains were practicing the same thing, recruiting powerful people, forming connections, and setting up an even deeper root to further their ideals. It was the literal representation of how two things can both be on two sides of the same coin.
Although the news won't say it, people were having an uneasy feeling about it as well. Petty crimes are diminishing, and major incidents seem to happen more often. A sign of a brewing storm behind the scenes.
"All of you hop in on the back. Satoshi you ride with me." Splatoon ordered. "I think you need more information regarding the mission."
Everyone nodded. And pretty soon, they were well on their way towards Yokohama Port. One of the busiest parts in Japan, no, in Asia-Pacific. This port is used for import and export. Of course its a goldmine for villains who'd want to smuggle goods under the radar.
"So kid... " Splatoon continued on with the conversation. "Why do you think someone from the Top Ten is helping you out in this mission? You did hear from Flexor and the others that this is just a subpar mission, right? Just an interception of smuggled goods, right?"
Satoshi was doubtful about it at first, but after hearing Splatoon's question, it was evident that something else was really going down tonight by the Yokohama Port. "Usually, one of the Top Ten is only called when the mission is of utmost importance, in cases when regular superheroes cannot handle the mission. Just like when the recent Slime Alien Invasion occurred, or when the Gates around the world appeared."
"That's right. You sure know your stuff kid, are you aiming to become a professional supe— that's not even a question, huh." Splatoon chuckled. "In any case, you're right about that. This mission is important. Our agency, the Ironman Agency, had been tracking the Dejects for who knows how long now. And recently, one of our informants gave us a huge tip-off. Something's bound to come down by the Yokohama Port. I don't know if it was true or not but I'll check it out nonetheless. It's better safe than sorry, after all."
"Do you work out?" Splatoon asked out of the blue.
Satoshi nodded. He didn't bother telling Splatoon that he trains with his dad every day.
"You're already ahead of eighty percent of all the superheroes in Japan. Your dad taught you that you can't always rely on your superpowers, huh." Splatoon said with a light smile on his face. "I have a son, the same age as you. He didn't have a powerful superpower like his dad, but he practiced real hard. He's in the Flowing Wave Academy. You fought with him during the Inter-High Tournament."
'Flowing Wave Academy? Who? Saturn? Why don't I have any idea? I know every single superhero and a couple of their connections and relatives. If it was his son, then I'm sure I'd have been aware of it.' Satoshi gave it a little bit of thought, but to his disappointment, he couldn't recall ever meeting Splatoon's son. Did he have a son? The media never mentioned anything about it... or at least, as far as Satoshi could remember.
"Confused, weren't you? Haha." Splatoon said. "His name's Pietro Axor. He uses my wife's surname though since he didn't want everyone to know of our connection. It's not like he's angry at me or anything, it's just that he wanted to achieve becoming a superhero without my connection."
"You mean Pietro Malmo? Oversight? He's your son?" Satoshi couldn't believe his ears. That guy gave him a hard time in the finals. "I don't get it. His superpower is quite powerful though. From what I can remember, he has the ability to see three moves ahead of his opponent, right? Also, he has super speed. I witnessed it firsthand and his superspeed is much more refined than Speedster. I don't mean his control is better than him, just that, he's a lot faster."
"Yes, he burned the midnight oil just to get to that level. You see, when it comes to superspeed, reflexes also matter a lot. It's not like your eyesight could always follow your movement. To think he's reached that level of proficiency already." Splatoon said, a smile of nostalgia spreading across his face. "Oh, sorry, I was rambling aren't I? In that regard, however, I hope the two of you get along. I've seen your fight, and as the next generation of superheroes, I hope that you'll take care of him."
"Didn't he want to become a superhero without using your connections?" Satoshi teased.
"This is this, and that is that. Besides, I'm not using my connection, you don't have any form of connection with me whatsoever, right? I'm just asking you to look out after him, as a fellow high schooler."
There was no point for Satoshi to reject such an offer. Besides, after that match, the three of them thought that they could get along. Just as a wise man once said, it's better to garner allies than enemies. "I'll keep that in mind," Satoshi said.
"I've seen your fight. You're pretty powerful." Splatoon continued. "My son and that kid from Great Mountain Academy almost defeated you though."
"You mean almost 'killed' me. If I were any other kid I'd have died back then." Satoshi clarified.
A few minutes later, the group reached Yokohama Port. A usual weekday where the hustle and bustle considerably increased. Adding the heat of the sun overhead into the mix made the atmosphere uncomfortable, annoying, and sweaty. Very sweaty.
"We'll be waiting on that dock over there. It overlooks a huge chunk of the port so we'd hardly miss anything. Keep your eyes peeled, there may be lookouts strewn all over the place." Splatoon warned, his expression drastically changing into work mode as he handed each of them a bag.
"Remember, the Dejects is not a bunch of common crooks, it's an organization. Before we even caught wind of their plans, they've already set up precautions on the off-chance they fail. Don't let yourselves be distracted by the business of the place. Keep your guard up, you never know when the enemy will strike."
With his short speech done, he led everyone to the dock, all the while hoping that everything goes well with the mission.
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