Enemy Flag [Strive | Plot]

He recoiled into a softer smile when Benjiro arrived. "Ah Benji-san." He mocked the hero's childhood best friend. How did he even know that? In a way it was to prove to the hero he was exactly who he said he was. With a knowing look, he'd promptly engage with the hero. He seemed eager... despite ultimately going to jail. "Oh, no no. They've started to think of these schemes themselves. An idiot has lackeys, a smart person will promote people who can think for themselves... promote someone they can hold their confidence in." He cocked his head and softly placed his hand on the cool glass. For a flickering few seconds all the screens turned white... The words Hosu's Secret came written on that white canvas before fading back white.  Removing it left a handprint. One that cast an impressive shadow onto the two before slowly returning back to their usual channels. "We're only showing truths that the news is too slow to put a lens on. All truths aren't cute n cuddly. Some truths hurt. Some are ugly..."  Looking the hero up and down, taking in Strive's mannerisms and attitude about the situation. He was only about to arrest a man ready to give a life-changing tip. 


Strive folded his arms, and narrowed his eyes in obvious displeasure.



"You have the floor. Tell me what you want to say, and then you're coming with me."


KK folded his arms, chin lifted with a smug expression. He was thinking of himself as the superior between the two. "I'd be delighted to. Consider this a favor from me to you... ~though this means you are to owe me a favor in return." In typical fashion, he was thinking ahead. Did the hero not think the deal to be too sweet on his end? It was fine, it was too late to back out now. "This shall be on record. This is a favor you will owe...me. Kunimi Dorikawa, or KK, leader of Team Confidence as you've heard. Yes. He is me and I am he."  He'd extend his hand for a handshake in his hand was a recording device. If Benji accepted the handshake, and the piece of evidence in it, he'd be making a deal with the devil. Despite being quirkless, this man carried a sinister aura. He was in average shape. He smiled like any other person, and he didn't stick out too much... -but this aura. A few words from his lips could cause earthquakes worth of trouble. 

"It's about your sister after all..." He'd click the button to confirm the recording. "This shall be on record. This is a favor you will owe...me. Kunimi Dorikawa, or KK, leader of Team Confidence as you've heard. Yes. He is me and I am he." It was just that lone sentence, but it was a clear admittance. It wouldn't keep him jail long, but it would give heroes some time to attempt building a case. "Do I have your ear?" He'd put more emphasis on his outstretched hand holding the recorder. Trust was crucial, or at least Benji would have to put his confidence in him. 

"Don't think for a second I trust you, Villain. If you think you'll get something past me, then you're sorely mistaken. What you're doing with your group is completely against what I, and all Heroes, stand for!" In response, the villain let out a chuckle. Indeed. They were opposites.


As if any threat against him would scare him. In a way KK found himself to be the symbol of Team Confidence, in the same way Strive was thought to be the symbol of peace. There was a small army he'd built up just for the moment if anything happened to him. If he were to ever fall, someone would take his place the same way a hero would step up to take Strive's place if this long game plan paid off. It was the natural order of things for them to oppose each other. Strive acting this way was the same as rain falling or the sun shining. So Kunimi took no offense to it. The difference was that many other villains thought of themselves as symbols in the villain underworld, whereas there was only ONE symbol of peace. The man before him.... -Benjimaro was fighting a losing battle and should've been counting his days. This era of peace was just a fantasy he created for the public to feel safe. Team Confidence would be the ones to shed light on the REAL Japan, the cracks in heroes' facades, and worm their way into society's ear. A villain's paradise was on the horizon if Kunimi had his way.

"Hmmm~hmm!" A signature and gratifying sound from the mastermind. He'd shake Strive's hand in earnest, and happily hand over the device. Slowly, he'd clasp both hands together- "Then, we have ourselves a deal."

"Well, lucky for you, my favor coincides with telling you about your sister. My favor, all I ask is that you heed my prediction. I serve no strong purpose but to create strategy and predict as a tactician. I hope you take my word as something to consider. During your investigation of this, you'll be confronted many times. She and the people around her won't be so willing to just give her up to you, or even have a conversation for that matter. There's a guarantee of a few fights, but if you value life, then I suggest you yield or flee when a red-flag opponent appears. I don't really know if you'll lose or not, BUT I strongly suggest not telling anyone, adding numbers will only guarantee death and turmoil for both sides. I know it's against what your silly little hero brain tells you, but I use the same tactics for my own people. There are certain targets that simply aren't worth fighting. You will lose even if you beat them... Ultimately, I'll leave the decision-making up to you." He wouldn't say who's life, how, or why. It was a bit too vague,  something that would only make sense in the moment of it happening. It was strange for the favor to be so... helpful. What was the trick? More than that, he'd give a real tip. "I'm sure rather than place me in holding in Hosu City or Musutafu, they will sit me in Tartarus at the very least. I may not be quirked, but being a leader to a villain organization is a serious allegation." Allegations? So he planned on pleading not guilty? Didn't he just admit to doing it? It showed the man had more than one trick up his sleeve even if he were handcuffed. Knowledge and connections were power for this man. He couldn't fight with raw power, so he'd fight by achieving as many advantages as possible. With that being said, he'd wait to give Benjimaru that final piece of information. " While I can't guarantee how long I'll BE in Tartarus while the trial goes on, you should be my escort there. Before they shove me in a box, I'll point you to the exact person to talk to. You already know him, anyway. I'm sure you two can get reacquainted. "

Clamming up before getting to the juicy bits, he'd offer up his wrists for the hero to do the honors of handcuffing him. 

"You think you're incredibly clever. A real thorn in the side of a society which just wants peace. Well, Kunimi Dorikawa, we'll test that intelligence of yours. Let's go."

"If society wanted peace, villains wouldn't exist." He'd say, the weight of all his ill deeds sitting on top of his tongue as he spoke.  He chuckled as the officer put cuffs on him. He'd chalk any excessive force up to a list of thing he'd sue the PD for. It would be a minor get back, but practically free money for when he returned to the real world. He wouldn't be gone for long. In fact, his freedom was guaranteed. He wouldn't tell Strive of this of course. "In a few days, will you attend my trial... or has the big shot got too much to do?" He'd smirked when Strive wouldn't answer or even dignify him with eye contact. 

As the police pulled off and the street grew dark again, November stood on the roof scratching his head in thought. "Well now..." He said turning his head to Ichor. KK had told November to watch but not all the details of this transaction. There was no way KK would subject himself to this without a plan. A smile slowly crept up on his face, as he realized he didn't need to know all of the plans. KK had confidence in the two to do what they thought was right, meaning it was sincerely up to them to figure out what to do next. It was a green light for Team Confidence to show its true prowess with the number 1 hero so heavily preoccupied. "Things are starting to get fun again. Let's get going, newbie."

November would turn to Ichor fully and tap his temple, implying that he wanted the boy to think about something. To be honest, Ichor was newest on the team. He had all the combat prowess in the world, but he needed to work on strategy. "So! I doubt he'd just let himself be scooped up like that and not have anything for us. Probably expected us to follow him anyway... " He'd look down at where KK and Strive once stood. Dropping down, he'd investigate. The only thing of note left behind was the handprint that was still present on the window. Could it be? With an arched brow, the white-haired punk wanted to test his theory. November would line his hand on top of the print and fog up the window. KK was a fucking genius. As the window turned opaque from the steamy flux in temperature,  it exposed words.... -A hint to be exact. KK would let the boys experiment and figure the rest out on their own.  This likely was done far ahead of the meeting time, and made sure they'd link up before the clerk could clean the window. Actually, the clerk was nowhere to be found. Was he dead? Reading the hidden note, November- "A hit put out on the number one hero, eh? I really thought he was gonna have us do it... It must mean he found a way to challenge the number 1 without sacrificing our manpower. " He'd sent mischievous eyes to his disciple, folding his arms. The glass of the window began to slowly melt... They could leave any evidence now, could they? Didn't matter if the clerk was dead. A shitty little shop like this wouldn't have security cameras. Quoting the hint, " 'I've given him quite the rabbit hole to dig through. Someone else will plug the hole and suffocate him. Please make sure everything is in order for my return.'- KK" 

"If that's sorted, I guess it just leaves us to make sure business goes as usual til he gives us a signal." He'd pause, throwing Ichor a bone. They could always play around to pass the time. "Wanna blow off some steam tomorrow?" Sure they had more important things to do, but causing minor trouble was just as good as breaking the news, or following a big plot. 



_______________________________________________________

From Strive- "Stop talking. Just show me what you wanted me to see."

KK would clam up at Strive's irritation, holding in a laugh. The following cars would stop short, leaving the lead car holding Strive and KK to pass the large gates. Processing was simple. The blonde man had close to nothing on him, just his clothes and a few prepaid cellphones with no sim card. The bastard wiped them clean ahead of time. This was chess not checkers, and he was playing Strive with delight. The hero had no clue what he was up against. The intake officers would exchange the restraints for a new Tartarus grade jumpsuit and inmate number. Being as he was quirkless, handcuffs to his wrists and feet were more than enough. "-awn to A6" He mumbled with a chuckle. 

"What was that maggot?" The officer jostled KK with ease. 

"It's my first time being here you know. Does your wife know you're getting relieved in 3 weeks? Quite the hardship... having to find a new job. If you didn't know, it's best you know now, rather then be surprised and booted by that dastardly boss of yours. " KK explained, a harsh silence creeping between the two. The second guard coughed guilt coating his face. 

"So you knew?!?" The officer thought the blonde to be a liar, but the second guard's face said it all. 

"Just get back to the office. Me and Strive have got it from here." The man would say, before leading both KK and Strive into an interrogation room. He'd adjust the cuffs to link the villain to the table. "We're going to make sure the cell if prepped, it'll take a minute or so. I'll be back in a flash Mr. Strive, sir." He'd salute the number one, and quickly head to the cell. Once the two were alone, KK'd tilt his head. "It's not a "something" per se but a someone. This is a prison after all. It's the WHO, not the WHAT."

This was an interrogation room, so he couldn't speak outright. He'd narrow his words down if he was being watched. The man never stepped foot in the place but already had so much knowledge stored. He studied these things relentlessly before this night. It was all an average man could do... A quirkless man who had an obsession with strategy and the butterfly effect.  "I'd like you to think of all the villain you know. One will come to mind as much as you try to forget him. He's here in this prison. It's a family matter as far as you're concerned, yes? I'll have to butt out and let you navigate from here." In order to find his sister, Benjimaru would first have to face another family member. 

"You sold yourself for whatever scheme you've been trying to make work. It's not going to. I'll play your games, but I've faced worse enemies than you!"

"This isn't a game between me and you anymore. It's between you and someone who doesn't want to be found. May you have fun on this chaotic journey, I shall be awaiting the results. I pray you make it back in one piece. " Quite a strange way to put things. There was still whoever that was on the other side of the glass. KK wasn't so trusting as to spell it out so obviously. SO, in a roundabout way of saying it, he was letting Strive know there was now a hit set out for him. Strive was allowed to leave, and in close to no time KK would get moved to his cell. As he scanned his neighboring villains, he'd smile. Well done~ He'd think to himself. Strive didn't know what he was up against, and even better KK would sit in the safety of Tartarus while it all went down. Strive was  a resourceful fellow, by Kunimi's calculations, the hero would catch some leeway or even a few clues to this mystery before phase 2 could begin. 

A hero would actually show up to guide Strive. Recently Tartarus had been integrating some heroes into the fray. One could never be too safe in these times. It was a skinny gentleman in specs. He'd push his glasses up his nose. "Oh." The gentleman was quiet and always stuck himself in the background during high school, favoring sports over heroics. He'd found his niche. The best sport for him now was keeping inmates in line. In front of Strive was a former junior from Mha... the Competitive Hero, Title W!n. "That inmate? Well, he doesn't typically get visitors but I'm sure we can give him the vip treatment (full restraints)." For the sake of professionalism, he was acting as if he and Strive were strangers, completely ignoring the fact he'd said oh in surprise a mere 3 seconds ago. 

He'd lead Benjimaru in silence. Judging by the hero's facial expression, it had to be something important. "There. Yuruginai Warikomi" By the time the two arrived, guards had just finished getting the man locked in. It was a standing mechanism, that locked all body parts into place. The man seemed ragged but his spirit unbroken. The years in jail weren't kind. He'd glared deep at Benjimaru as if they weren't family. He hated the Resolutes... his nephew included. Title W!n would speak to Strive one last time before sealing the cell. "If anything threating arises, please come to me. I reside over this wing... at least until my shift is over." So much for professionalism. With that, he'd seal the cell and stand outside it to keep watch over the cell block. Neighboring cells roared in detest at Strive's presence, but the noise would be dulled by the thick cell walls when the hero entered. The room was stark white. It was specifically set for the man's quirk. In this holding mechanism was a taser device. He couldn't stop things already touching him. 

"Tch, the hell do YOU want?" Voice raspier than one would remember.  "Come to laugh in an old man's face?"


__________________________________OOC:

For Ichor and November

coloholics.boards.net/thread/779/friends-ichor

"I've come to talk."

Yuruginai spat on the ground. There was a fire broiled behind his irises, a deep hate whirling inside of him. The Resolutes, this boy reminded him of the old days. He hated having to pretend all those years. That deep deep burden finally lifted from his shoulders the day they died. All that was left were the kids. To be honest, the family always had a dark side. It existed farther back than he could remember. As for the twins, he always knew one day Benjimaru and Choyoku would mature and find their alignment. Choyoku would find herself falling into the dark pit known as the villain underworld, while Benjimaru found fame and success after graduating school... 

"There's something I need to know. It's about... it's about Choyaku."

The man's face dropped before bursting out into laughter. What a joke! He'd gather himself before, looking Strive in the eyes. The hero would avoid eye contact, but there would be daggered stared into his skull by the villain. "Your sister? Why the hell are you asking me anything about her? It's YOUR job to protect her." Yuruginai held nothing back. He'd scoff before berating him. "Some hero... get a little clout from some stupid school and he forgets about his own flesh and blood. Not like you ever cared to know what she was going through anyway." The restraints were killing him. He'd kill his own comments to roll his neck and attempt for more comfort. "Is it the letter that's bugging you? You know...  that letter. I was there when it was written, you know?" With a deadpan expression, he mockingly recited it.


"Dear Benjiro,



If you are reading this, then I am so sorry. Your mother and I are no longer here. Just know we gave our lives for you and your sister, so you could live in a world free of villainy and injustice. Don't be too upset. Don't wallow in sadness. Strive! You always wanted to be a hero like us. With your heart, you can do just that.



Look after your sister.



Dad"

This was the letter written before killing his own family... the Resolutes. His head slowly tilted, ire building, but he was doing his best to suppress it. Eyes never leaving Benji, he'd repeat the last remark. "LOOK AFTER YOUR SISTER..."


It seemed like he was going to rage at the hero, but he caught himself. Or rather, something caught his attention.. He'd take a deep breath, and look up at the ceiling. It was an uncomfortable sensation... as if he were a pawn being shoved around. Without being given any instructions, he felt like he knew exactly what to do... A few week prior a paid guard had told him Strive was coming, and that KK would arrive with him. If this day ever came, it meant a hit was put out on the hero, and to follow his gut in order to gain freedom. That very guard had just gotten fired roughly 10 minutes ago... More importantly, how could this KK person be so confident in a complete stranger? The thought of it gnawed at his psyche. It... this scenario just seemed like an opportunity he couldn't pass up.  For some reason, his entire mood shifted... 

It was like he came to a deep understanding, or maybe he was still trying to grasp what was at the tip of his tongue. At least that was what his facial expression was saying. "I guess there are people like that in this world. Fine then..." Another deep breath, and another. It was really a task to keep his own intensity in check. Jail does things to a person. It breaks them down, and they'll either adapt or deteriorate. To stay sane, Yuruginai had only grown more volatile. Exhaling hate was what kept him, him... He was able to find a calm, mainly due to that epiphany.  Finally, as if he didn't accost the poor guy with a plethora of things, he'd open the floor for his nephew. "Well... what do wanna know?"  He repeated the task to himself in his head. It was ominously simple, wasn't it?

The once impressive villain, Yuruginai had apparently morphed into a short-tempered and desperate man. He'd do whatever it took to get some freedom. He was a man already at the end of his rope, and thus... the easiest to manipulate. "Trust my gut." He mumbled to himself with a dizzying sense of reassurance. Yes... he was feeling confident now! His eyes finally returned to Benjimaru, an expression as cool as ice. He could do this. He'd been trusting his gut his whole life... and for the rest of his now shortened life span, he was KK's puppet, moreover an informant for Strive. 

Yes. His gut was telling him to comply with Strive's questioning... This hit had nothing to do with him, and if everything worked out, freedom was on the horizon. It sounded too good to be true, but at the same time, he wanted freedom oh so badly. Maybe he could trust the intel... Before the guard got fired, he would be used as a pipeline for information. Yuruginai asked about KK... Some knew plenty but chose to clam up, and many would just tell him the same things. Nobody could understand how, but the rumor about this KK guy was that he was an information broker who had a knack for curating miracle opportunities.  So... was this his miracle opportunity?  This whole situation had been flawlessly planted in front of him... -It was his golden ticket out of this shithole, right? A nasty sense of deja vu rushed over him. He felt like he'd not only been in this situation before but knew exactly what to do and what to say. He... he felt like he had the upper hand for some reason, even in these restraints.

This was KK's prowess as an information broker, and more importantly his "power" as Team Confidence's leader. With knowledge being such a powerful tool, people often feel empowered and in control when they get a glimpse at what's really going on. This was especially true when feeling cornered. As a chess player and big fan of statistics, KK understood that confidence greatly increased the success rates of a task. With enough very simple variables in front of him, the strategist could instruct most people to do exactly what he wanted with very little effort. All he needed was a bit of chaos to throw into their life, a useful piece of info, and good timing to create an opportunity. It was entirely up to the person whether they followed suit or not. Most confident people would follow suit without second guessing. Sadly, Yuruginai was just a temporary pawn and KK didn't want to leave any crumbs behind. So he'd send the idiot an instruction manual without instructions.


Freedom... or rather death would find this man very soon. This was a crash dummy task, not a real opportunity...