La Brava and Gentle—real names Manami Aiba and Danjuro Tobita—sat frozen in their chairs inside the communication room, their expressions completely blank as they tried to process everything they had just heard.
Five full minutes had passed, yet neither of them had moved even an inch, as if their minds had simply shut down under the sheer weight of information.
Arata, sitting beside Melissa, leaned back slightly in his chair and sighed. "Do people always… crash like this?" he muttered, glancing at the two.
Melissa crossed her arms and gave him a flat look. "Obviously. It's not every day someone hears that a 13-year-old is planning to start a war to change the world," she said, her tone dry, "and that the same kid is trying to recreate six stones that once had the power to destroy or recreate the entire universe."
Arata scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Should I… maybe make a presentation or something? Like a proper explanation with visuals?"
Melissa blinked once, then nodded. "Honestly? That might actually help. A lot."
Arata hummed thoughtfully. "Yeah… a PPT might reduce the shock factor."
Deciding to give the duo some time to recover, both Arata and Melissa stood up and quietly left the room, heading toward the lab.
As they walked through the corridor, they passed by the gym area, where Kaina was running on a treadmill at a steady pace. She glanced at them briefly, raising a brow, and they gave her a small wave before continuing on.
Inside the lab, David was completely absorbed in his work, tinkering with a metallic object placed on the table. Sparks flickered occasionally as he adjusted components with precision. After a moment, he lifted the object, inspecting it carefully before nodding in satisfaction.
Then he noticed them.
A grin spread across his face. "Perfect timing," he said, gesturing them over. "Your upgraded Infinity Gauntlet is ready."
Arata's eyes lit up instantly. "Finally."
He stepped forward, picking up the gauntlet and sliding it onto his right hand. The fit was perfect. He clenched and unclenched his fist, feeling the structure respond smoothly to his movements.
Without wasting time, he walked over to the containment chamber, opened it, and retrieved the Space Stone. The moment he placed it into the gauntlet, a surge of energy coursed through his body.
His muscles tensed instinctively—but unlike before, the strain was significantly reduced.
Arata exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers as the energy stabilized. "Yeah… this is way better," he said, glancing at David. "The strain's reduced a lot. I can handle more power now."
David nodded with a satisfied smile. "Exactly what I aimed for."
Melissa stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement. "So when are we making the Power Stone?"
She still vividly remembered the creation of the Space Stone—the way Space itself had trembled, how the entire island had been frozen in a momentary space stasis. The sheer scale of it still sent chills down her spine.
Arata turned toward her. "Today. 3 PM."
He tapped a few commands on the console, bringing up a map. "I've selected a remote location—completely desolate. We'll have a high vantage point to monitor the process… and enough distance to escape if things go wrong."
David frowned slightly. "Why would we need to escape?"
Melissa answered before Arata could. "Because when the Space Stone was created, it disrupted space across the entire island. If the Power Stone is anything similar, the surrounding area could get completely wrecked."
Arata nodded. "Exactly."
Before they could continue, a sharp beeping sound echoed from the main computer.
David quickly turned to the screen, scanning the incoming message. His expression darkened.
"…This isn't good," he said.
Arata stepped closer. "What happened?"
David looked at him. "Anna's father just sent a message. The Gollini family has mobilized. They've launched flying ships… and they're heading toward Japan."
Melissa's eyes widened. "How long?"
"About twelve hours," David replied.
Silence fell over the room.
Arata exhaled slowly, his expression turning serious. "Then we don't have time to wait."
He looked at both of them. "We're making the Power Stone now."
Melissa immediately nodded, her earlier excitement turning into determination.
Arata continued, "You two start working on quirk suits for Tobita and Aiba. As fast as possible."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the lab, heading toward the gym.
Kaina had just stepped off the treadmill when she saw him walk in. The moment she noticed his serious expression, her posture straightened.
"What happened?" she asked.
"The Gollini family is on the move," Arata said directly. "They'll reach Japan in twelve hours."
Kaina's eyes narrowed.
"I need you to take Tobita and Aiba," he continued. "Scout the battlefield location I marked earlier. Map it out, set traps—prepare everything."
He paused briefly.
"And before you leave, come to the lab. There's something important everyone needs to see."
Kaina smirked slightly. "Got it. Leave it to me."
She immediately headed off to get the two new recruits.
Arata returned to the lab, his movements precise and focused. He suited up, the black armor forming around him, and placed his demonic mask over his face. Taking a deep breath, he raised his gauntlet.
The Space Stone glowed.
A swirling portal opened in front of him.
With a controlled motion, he used telekinesis to lift the massive Infinity Stone Generator, guiding it carefully through the portal.
Moments later, Kaina entered the lab, followed by Tobita and Aiba. Both looked much more composed now, though their eyes still carried traces of disbelief.
Tobita adjusted his posture slightly and spoke with a polite tone. "Your goal… is quite gentlemanly, Arata. I would be honored to assist you in any way I can."
Aiba nodded enthusiastically beside him. "Me too! I'll help however I can!"
Arata gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
Melissa walked over, holding two masks, and handed them to him. Arata took them and extended them toward the duo.
"From now on," he said, "your code names are Novaflex and Novamor."
Tobita examined his mask—it resembled a black monkey—while Aiba's was shaped like a graceful swan.
Aiba's eyes sparkled. "It's so cute! I love it!"
Tobita, however, looked slightly puzzled. "A monkey…?"
Arata gave a small smile behind his mask. "I once knew of someone with a rubber-based ability," he said. "He could stretch his body and even manipulate his surroundings—similar to you."
Melissa tilted her head. "Who?"
Arata replied, "His name was Monkey D. Luffy."
Melissa blinked. "That's… a weird name."
David, standing nearby, muttered, "I wonder what the 'D' stands for…"
Arata ignored them and continued, his tone turning more thoughtful. "Luffy was someone who lived freely—without letting anyone control him. He followed his own path, helped people who showed him even the smallest kindness, and brought down those who oppressed others."
He looked directly at Tobita. "I want you to carry that spirit. Help people… not because you're told to, but because you choose to. And never let anyone control you."
Tobita's eyes widened slightly, clearly moved by the meaning behind the mask. After a moment, he smiled.
"…I will be honored to do so."
Arata nodded once before turning toward the portal.
"Everyone, move."
One by one, they stepped through.
Arata was the last to enter, taking a final glance at the lab before walking into the portal—and closing it behind him.